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Syria Puts Assad Officials on Trial
Syria held its first public trial of officials linked to former leader Bashar Assad. Assad and his brother Maher Assad are among those charged.
Both are thought to have fled to Russia. They were charged without being present in court.
Maher Assad once led a major Syrian army unit. A cousin of Assad named Atef Najib was present in court.
Charges include killings, torture and drug trafficking. Sunday's session was a first hearing.
The trial will continue next month. Crowds gathered outside the court in Damascus, Syria to celebrate. Syria's justice leaders said the public trial was held to show fairness.
Klear Note — Bashar Assad ruled Syria for decades until his government fell in late 2024. These trials mark Syria's first major effort to hold former leaders accountable for alleged crimes.
Key Terms 2
- charged in absentia
- Formally accused in court while not physically present
- transitional justice
- Legal process after a government falls to address past crimes