Syria sentences Assad-era top cleric to life imprisonment

Damascus, Syria: A court handed Ahmed Hassoun, the former grand mufti under the late leader Bashar al-Assad, a life sentence on Monday. The 77-year-old, who had been Syria's top Muslim cleric for 16 years, was convicted of inciting sectarian strife and exploiting his position. Hassoun was arrested at Damascus airport in March 2023 as he attempted to flee the country.

He was also given terms of three to 20 years for other charges including incitement to intentional homicide and complicity in intentional homicide. The court confiscated his assets and handed them to the public treasury. This is the first time a religious figure has been sentenced since Syrian authorities began trying Assad-era officials in April.

Other Assad-era figures, including Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher, and five security officials, were sentenced to death in absentia for atrocities committed during the civil war. The United Nations and human rights organizations have criticized the death sentences, calling for more competent, impartial, and independent justice.