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

On Monday, a Syrian court sentenced Ahmad Hassoun, the former grand mufti under ex-President Bashar Assad, to life in prison. The religious leader, who had previously backed Assad's policies, was convicted of multiple offenses including inciting sectarian violence and legitimizing murder. Judge Fakhreddine al-Aryan noted that Assad's official religious establishment had done nothing to stop the regime's use of barrel bombs, which caused extensive damage and violated international humanitarian laws.

This marks the 10th Assad-era official to receive a sentence under Syria's new government. Assad and his brother Maher were each sentenced to death in absentia earlier this month for war crimes committed during the Syrian civil war, which lasted from 2011 to 2024 and resulted in over half a million deaths and mass displacement. The trial of Hassan's cousin, Atif Najib, and nephew, Wassim al-Assad, also resulted in death sentences.

Syrians have welcomed these verdicts, but human rights organizations warn that the trials may be rushed and unfair. Balkees Jarrah, a Middle East and North Africa director for Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for a fair justice system, stating that it requires more than just convictions. Hassoun, 77, served as Syria's top cleric from 2005 until 2021, when the position was abolished.

A native of Aleppo, he was a close ally of Assad and frequently seen at his side during religious events. Hassoun was arrested at Damascus Airport in March last year while attempting to leave the country.