{"id":2470,"date":"2026-08-11T23:07:47","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T23:07:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2470"},"modified":"2026-08-11T23:07:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T23:07:47","slug":"former-syrian-president-assad-sentenced-to-death-in-absentia-for-war-crimes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2470","title":{"rendered":"Former Syrian President Assad sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) \u2014 A Syrian court on Tuesday sentenced ousted President Bashar Assad and his brother in absentia for murder, torture and crimes against humanity committed before and during the country\u2019s 14-year civil war that left about half a million people dead.<\/p>\n

Read more Mexican reinforcements expected for wildfire fight in western Canada after 20,000 flee<\/a><\/p>\n

The verdicts by a court in Damascus are the first against Assad or any members of his inner circle<\/span> since his family\u2019s five decades<\/span> in power came to an end 20 months ago. They are mostly symbolic, however, because Assad and his brother Maher had fled to Russia<\/span>, where they received asylum after the Syrian government\u2019s stunning collapse in December 2024.<\/p>\n

Six other former officials were also sentenced to death in absentia. The only former official sentenced to death and in custody is Assad\u2019s maternal cousin Atef Najib<\/span>, who oversaw a crackdown on dissent that led to an uprising that sparked the civil war. Najib stood inside a cage wearing a prisoner\u2019s uniform as the judge read his sentence aloud, and a crowd gathered outside the heavily guarded courthouse.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

Even though Assad is unlikely to ever face justice, the verdicts will be popular among many Syrians, especially those who have expressed frustration that the new government hasn\u2019t moved with enough speed or strength against Assad-era figures.<\/p>\n

Some human rights groups, though, expressed concerns that the trials were rushed, potentially unfair and, at the very least, exposed flaws in Syria\u2019s justice system.<\/p>\n

\u201cBashar Assad used state agencies to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity,\u201d said judge Fakhareddine al-Aryan during a court session that was aired live on state TV \u2014 a contrast with Assad-era trials, which were conducted in secret. The verdicts al-Aryan read aloud found Assad and the others guilty of premeditated murder, including against children, as well as other acts of brutality, including torture.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Al-Aryan said Najib could appeal. <\/p>\n

\u201cToday is the day of justice for all the wounded, martyrs, detainees and Syrians who were forced to leave their country,\u201d said attorney Adnan al-Masalmeh who represented families of Najib\u2019s victims. \u201cToday marks a victory of right against injustice, a victory of the Syrian people against the ousted regime.\u201d <\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

Najib is one of the highest-ranking security officials to be put on trial. He is a former army brigadier general who was in charge of political security in Syria\u2019s southern Daraa province. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/svg>\n<\/div>\n
\nSign up for Morning Wire:<\/strong>
\n Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.\n <\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n