Ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia
The ex-president is convicted of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's civil war.
Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has been sentenced to death in absentia after being convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's civil war. This marks the first conviction against the former ruler, who fled to Russia with his family following the regime's overthrow in December 2024. His cousin, Atef Najib, who served as the head of political security in Deraa province, was also sentenced to death.
The court found Najib guilty of murder, intentional killing of children under 15, and torture leading to death. Six other former officials, including Assad's younger brother Maher, were also sentenced to death in absentia. The verdict was met with jubilation from the crowd outside the courthouse, expressing a mix of victory, liberation, and a demand for justice in the new Syria.
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