Bashar Assad Sentenced To Death For War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity, Report Claims

A Syrian court on Tuesday sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia after finding him guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the country’s 14-year conflict.

The ruling marks the first death sentence handed down against Assad under Syria’s transitional authorities, which have begun prosecuting individuals linked to his former government. Some defendants are facing proceedings in person, while others, including Assad, are being tried in absentia.

Assad fled Syria with his family and travelled to Moscow after rebel forces advanced towards Damascus in December 2024.

Assad’s Brother, Cousin Also Sentenced

According to the Associated Press, Assad’s younger brother Maher Assad was also sentenced to death in the same case. The court additionally handed down a death sentence to Atef Najib, Assad’s maternal cousin and a former Syrian army brigadier general.

Najib was accused of overseeing the security crackdown in Daraa in 2011, an episode that preceded the wider uprising and the subsequent civil war. At the time, he headed the Political Security Branch in Daraa.

Najib was later arrested and became one of the most senior figures from Assad’s former government to face trial.

Najib Appears In Court

Najib was present when the court announced the sentence, with the proceedings held under tight security. According to AP, he stood inside a courtroom cage wearing a prison uniform as the judge read out the verdict.

The court convicted Assad in connection with alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Syria’s prolonged conflict.

The 14-year conflict devastated the country and claimed an estimated half a million lives, according to AP.

First Death Sentence Against Assad Under Transitional Government

The proceedings mark a significant development in Syria’s efforts to hold senior figures from the former government accountable.

The transitional authorities have initiated legal proceedings against individuals associated with Assad’s government, with some appearing before courts and others being tried in absentia.

Assad’s sentence was issued despite his absence from the proceedings following his departure to Moscow. His brother Maher and cousin Atef Najib were also prosecuted in the case.

The ruling represents one of the most significant legal actions yet taken against senior figures from Assad’s former government, with the court holding them responsible for alleged abuses committed during Syria’s civil war.