Bashar Assad Sentenced To Death Over War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity: Reports

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

The verdict is the first death sentence handed down against Assad under Syria’s transitional authorities, which have launched prosecutions against senior figures associated with his former government. While some accused have appeared in court, Assad was tried in absentia after fleeing the country.

Assad left Syria with his family for Moscow in December 2024 after insurgents captured key areas and advanced towards Damascus.

Assad’s Brother, Cousin Also Face Death Sentence

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

Najib was accused of overseeing the crackdown in the southern province of Daraa in 2011. The crackdown became a major trigger for the uprising that eventually escalated into Syria’s prolonged civil war.

At the time, Najib headed the Political Security Branch in Daraa. He was later detained and became one of the highest-ranking officials from Assad’s former government to face prosecution.

Najib Present In Court

Najib attended the hearing under heavy security and was reportedly kept inside a courtroom cage while wearing a prison uniform as the judge announced the sentence, according to AP.

The court found Assad responsible for crimes committed during the conflict, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. The 14-year conflict left roughly 500,000 people dead and displaced millions, according to estimates cited by AP.

Major Test For Syria’s Transitional Authorities

The proceedings represent a major step in the transitional authorities’ efforts to prosecute members of Assad’s former government. Authorities have initiated cases against several figures linked to the former regime, with proceedings taking place both against defendants appearing in court and those being tried in absentia.

Assad remains in Moscow and was not present for Tuesday’s proceedings. His brother Maher and cousin Atef Najib were prosecuted in the same case. The verdict is among the most significant legal actions yet taken against senior figures from Assad’s former government as Syria’s transitional authorities seek accountability for alleged abuses committed during the civil war.