Bashar al-Assad Sentenced to Death by Syrian Court in Absentia

DAMASCUS — Former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad has been sentenced to death by a court in Damascus over atrocities committed during Syria’s long-running civil war.

The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in absentia, as Assad has been living in Moscow since fleeing Syria after his government was overthrown in December 2024. The case represents a major step by Syria’s transitional authorities in their efforts to hold former regime officials accountable.

Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan found Assad guilty of a range of offences, including “premeditated murder, the intentional killing of more than one person, the intentional killing of children under 15 years… torture, torture leading to death, and deprivation of liberty on multiple occasions — classified as crimes against humanity and war crimes”.

“He is therefore sentenced to death.”

The Syrian authorities began legal proceedings in April against Assad and other officials accused of committing serious abuses during the nearly 14-year conflict.

The war began in 2011 when security forces responded to pro-democracy protests with a brutal crackdown. More than 500,000 people were killed during the conflict, while millions were forced from their homes and tens of thousands disappeared.

Among those also sentenced to death in absentia were six former military and security officials, including Assad’s younger brother Maher al-Assad, who previously commanded the powerful Fourth Division of the Syrian army.

Former Defence Minister Fahd al-Freij and Louay al-Ali, who headed military intelligence in Daraa province during the early stages of the uprising, were also among those convicted.

Najib sentenced to death

Atef Najib, a cousin of Assad and former head of political security in Daraa, was the only one of the accused present in court when the verdict was delivered.

Najib, who was arrested in January last year, was convicted of murder, “the intentional killing of children under 15” and “torture leading to death”.

The court classified the acts attributed to him as “crimes against humanity” and imposed “the harshest punishment against him, which is the death penalty”.

Daraa became the birthplace of Syria’s 2011 uprising after 15 students were arrested for allegedly writing anti-government slogans on walls.

Residents said the students were subjected to torture, prompting demonstrations calling for their release. Security forces responded with force, firing live ammunition to disperse protesters and sit-ins.

The unrest subsequently spread to other provinces, while Najib was removed from his position following the crackdown.

According to Judge Aryan, Najib denied the charges against him and showed “no remorse”.

Bashar al-Assad assumed the Syrian presidency in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad. His rule ended in December 2024 when opposition forces captured Damascus and forced him into exile in Russia.

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