Syrian Court Sentences Assad, Brother and Cousin to Death
A Syrian court sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia. The sentence was for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
These crimes happened during Syria's 14-year civil war. The war killed about half a million people.
Damascus's Fourth Criminal Court issued the sentence. This was Syria's first public sentencing under transitional justice.
The court also sentenced Assad's brother Maher to death in absentia. Their cousin Atef Najib also received a death sentence.
Six other fugitives were sentenced to death as well. In total nine people were sentenced to death.
Assad was ousted by a rebel offensive in December 2024. He then fled to Moscow with Maher.
Najib was the only defendant at the trial. He attended the trial inside a cage.
He was found guilty of leading a 2011 crackdown in Daraa, Syria. That crackdown started Syria's civil war.
Key Terms 2
- in absentia Sentenced without being present in court.
- transitional justice Legal process to address past crimes after major political change.