Syrian court sentences ousted president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia
A Syrian court has sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the nation's civil war.
A Syrian court has sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia following his conviction for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ruling relates to atrocities committed during the country's 14-year civil war, which began in 2011.
Assad fled to exile in Moscow in December 2024 when opposition forces advanced on Damascus, ending his rule. The court also handed down death sentences to his brother, Maher Assad, who fled alongside him, and his cousin Atef Najib, who was physically present in the courtroom.
The verdict represents the first judgment against the deposed leader under Syria's interim administration, which has initiated legal proceedings targeting former regime officials.
Sources: Morgunblaðið, Vísir, Aftenposten, Berlingske, ORF
Sources
- ORF — Syriens Ex-Machthaber Assad in Abwesenheit zum Tode verurteilt
- Aftenposten — Syrias ekspresident Bashar al-Assad dømt til døden in absentia
- Morgunblaðið — Assad dæmdur til dauða í Sýrlandi
- Berlingske — Syrisk domstol dødsdømmer Assad for krigsforbrydelser
- Vísir — Assad dæmdur til dauða í heimalandinu
Earlier coverage
- Aug 11, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCSyrian court sentences former president Bashar al-Assad to death