Syrian Court Sentences Bashar Al-Assad To Death For War Crimes
Assad sentenced in absentia over crimes during Syria’s civil war.
Syria’s former president Bashar al-Assad has been sentenced to death in absentia by a Syrian court over charges linked to war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the country’s 14-year conflict. His younger brother, Maher al-Assad, a former senior military commander, and maternal cousin Atef Najib, a former army brigadier general, were also handed death sentences in the same case.
The court’s ruling marks the first such verdict issued by Syria’s transitional authorities against senior figures from the former government. The authorities began proceedings this year against individuals accused of involvement in abuses during the conflict, with some defendants being tried in person and others, including Assad, in absentia.
Najib was specifically convicted over his role in the security crackdown in Daraa province in 2011, where he headed the Political Security Branch when protests erupted against Assad’s government. According to the court, Najib was responsible for the intentional killing of children under 15 and torture resulting in death. The court classified the alleged acts as crimes against humanity and imposed the death penalty.
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Assad and his family members fled Syria after Islamist-led forces advanced towards Damascus in December 2024, bringing an end to his long rule. Assad subsequently went to Moscow with members of his family, including Maher. Because Assad was not present in court, the proceedings against him were conducted in absentia.
The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011 after anti-government protests, resulted in widespread violence, displacement and destruction across the country. About half a million people are estimated to have died during the war, while millions were forced to leave their homes. The conflict also generated numerous allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Najib, who was later detained, became one of the most senior officials from the former government to face trial under the transitional authorities. The death sentences represent a significant step in the authorities’ efforts to prosecute prominent figures associated with the former government, although the practical enforcement of the verdict against Assad remains complicated by his presence outside Syria.
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