Former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes

A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad and his brother, Maher, to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's 14-year conflict. The sentences were delivered by the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus, marking the first time such punishments have been handed down to Assad or members of his inner circle since his regime fell 20 months prior.

Al-Assad allegedly used state agencies to commit these crimes, with judge Fakhareddine al-Aryan stating this during a live court session. Al-Assad and Maher fled to Russia after the government's downfall in December 2024, and received political asylum. Another individual, al-Assad's maternal cousin Atef Najib, was also sentenced to death.

He was convicted for his role in overseeing a crackdown in Daraa province, which sparked the uprising and subsequent civil war. Najib, who has been detained in Syria since early 2025, can appeal the decision. The courtroom scene was attended by a crowd outside, with some expressing relief and a sense of justice being served. Human Rights Watch opposes the death penalty in this case, citing the lack of a fair trial guaranteeing this sentencing.