Syrian court sentences Bashar Assad to death in absentia for war crimes

A Damascus criminal court has handed down a death sentence to former Syrian President Bashar Assad, his brother Maher Assad, and cousin Atef Najib in absentia for war crimes against civilians. The court convicted the trio of premeditated murder, torture, and other abuses, finding them guilty of committing acts that amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The verdict specifically cited the killing of numerous people, including children, as well as the torture of civilians. The court ruled that their denial of the charges was contradicted by the evidence presented. The decision comes as part of ongoing judicial proceedings, with the court also planning to seek international legal action against the accused.