A Syrian court has sentenced former ruler Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, finding him guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ruling comes amid ongoing trials under transitional authorities that began this year, examining figures from the former government both in person and remotely.
Al-Assad, who reportedly fled with his family to Moscow in December 2024 as opposition forces advanced on Damascus, was sentenced alongside Atef Najib, the former head of political security for southern Syria’s Deraa province. Najib was reportedly tried in person.
The convictions mark a significant legal development concerning the Syrian civil war. The court's decision in absentia allows for proceedings against individuals not present to face judgment.