A Syrian court in Damascus has sentenced former president Bashar Al Assad to death in absentia, marking a major development in efforts to hold senior figures of his former government accountable for crimes committed during Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war.
The Fourth Criminal Court convicted Assad of premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity. His brother, Maher Al Assad, and cousin Atef Najib were also handed death sentences, along with several other former regime officials. Najib was the only one of the three tried while in custody.
Assad was overthrown in December 2024 following a rebel offensive and subsequently went into exile in Russia. Because he remains outside Syria, the sentence cannot immediately be carried out. The ruling is therefore expected to have significant symbolic and political importance rather than an immediate practical effect.
The verdict has been welcomed by many Syrians, particularly families of people killed or detained during the former regime’s rule. Crowds gathered outside the Palace of Justice in Damascus and in other parts of the country following the announcement.
The case represents one of the first major domestic legal actions against Assad and members of his inner circle since his government collapsed. However, legal and human-rights observers have raised concerns about the fairness and speed of the proceedings, particularly regarding due process and legal representation.
The ruling could become an important test for Syria’s new authorities as they seek to establish accountability, rebuild institutions and address the legacy of decades of political repression and conflict.
