Former President Bashar Assad Sentenced to Death in Absentia in Syria

The Damascus court has found former Syrian President Bashar Assad guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes, as reported by the Associated Press. The court has sentenced Assad to death in absentia.

Also convicted for intentional murder and torture is Assad's cousin, Atef Najib, who led the political security division in the Daraa province during Assad's rule. He has also been sentenced to death.

In late November 2024, armed opposition groups launched a large-scale attack on positions held by the Syrian army. They entered Damascus on December 8, after which Assad left the presidency of Syria and fled the country.