Syria sentences Assad-era top Muslim cleric to life in prison

A Syrian court sentenced Ahmad Hassoun, Assad's former grand mufti, to life in prison on Monday. The cleric, who backed the regime's policies, was convicted of crimes including inciting sectarian unrest and justifying murder. Judge Fakhreddine al-Aryan criticized the Assad-led religious establishment for justifying the use of barrel bombs, which caused widespread destruction and violated international humanitarian law.

Hassoun is the 10th Assad-era official to receive a sentence under Syria's new authorities. In recent months, Assad and his brother Maher were sentenced to death in absentia for atrocities committed during the civil war, which lasted from 2011 to December 2024. Over half a million people were killed and millions displaced during the conflict.

Assad fled Syria as his regime fell and is believed to be in Russia. The sentencing has been welcomed by Syrians who had long criticized the new government for not swiftly acting against Assad-era officials. However, human rights groups have expressed concerns about the rush of trials and fairness of the proceedings. Hassan served as Syria's top Islamic cleric from 2005 to 2021, when the position was abolished.

Born in Aleppo, he maintained close ties to Assad and was often present at his side during religious events. Hassoun was arrested at Damascus Airport in March of last year while attempting to flee the country.