A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia after finding him guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the country’s prolonged civil conflict.
The ruling marks the first major judicial action against Assad since his government was overthrown in December 2024 by opposition forces who pledged to pursue accountability for alleged atrocities committed during his rule.
Delivering judgment in Damascus, Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan convicted Assad on multiple counts, including premeditated murder, torture, unlawful detention and the killing of children.
The court held that the offences amounted to crimes against humanity and war crimes under international legal standards.
Assad fled Syria for Russia after opposition fighters advanced on Damascus and remains outside the country.
The court also sentenced six former military and security officials to death in absentia, including Assad’s brother, Maher al-Assad, who commanded the elite Fourth Division of the Syrian Army.
Others convicted include former Defence Minister Fahd al-Freij and former military intelligence chief Louay al-Ali.
The proceedings form part of a broader accountability process launched earlier this year by Syria’s transitional authorities.
The civil war began in 2011 following the violent suppression of anti-government protests and evolved into one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history.
The war left more than half a million people dead, displaced millions and led to widespread allegations of torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killings.
Former security official Atif Najib, the only defendant physically present during the proceedings, was also sentenced to death after being convicted of crimes linked to the early stages of the uprising in Daraa Province.
The court stated that Najib showed no remorse throughout the proceedings and denied all allegations against him.
Outside the courthouse, relatives of victims gathered to witness the ruling, many carrying photographs of loved ones who disappeared during the conflict.
Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais said the judgments would be forwarded to the country’s Court of Cassation for final review and noted that the defendants have the right to appeal within 30 days.
Human Rights Watch described the proceedings as an important test of the new government’s commitment to delivering credible justice for victims of abuses committed during the Assad era.
