Syria sentences former President Bashar al-Assad to death
A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death over allegations of premeditated and deliberate killings.
The sentence was issued in absentia. Assad was not present in court when the ruling was announced.
The court also sentenced Atef Najib, a former security official who served during Assad’s rule, to death.
According to the court, the charges against Assad relate to allegations of killings that were deliberately planned and carried out.
The ruling marks a major development in the legal proceedings against the former Syrian president. Assad was removed from power before the court issued the sentence.
The court proceeded with the case in his absence. It reached its decision based on the charges brought against him.
Atef Najib was also named in the proceedings. He served as a security official during the Assad era and was handed the same punishment.
The court described the alleged crimes as involving premeditation and deliberate killing. These allegations formed the basis of the death sentences.
The development comes amid continued legal and political efforts concerning officials associated with the former Syrian government.
The ruling against Assad could become an important part of the legal record surrounding his years in power.
The former president has faced allegations related to serious abuses during the conflict in Syria. The latest court decision focuses specifically on charges of premeditated and deliberate murder.
The sentence was announced without Assad appearing before the court.
The court also issued its decision against Najib in connection with the same proceedings.
Further legal developments could determine how the sentences are handled and whether additional proceedings follow.
According to the reported ruling, the former Syrian leader was convicted on charges described as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The decision marks a significant development in legal proceedings against senior figures from Assad’s former government.
Assad ruled Syria for nearly 24 years after succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad, in 2000. His government faced years of armed opposition after protests erupted across the country in 2011.
The conflict developed into a prolonged civil war involving Syrian government forces, opposition groups and several foreign powers.
The war caused widespread destruction and a major humanitarian crisis. Millions of Syrians were forced to leave their homes, while large numbers sought refuge in neighbouring countries and beyond.
Assad remained in power throughout most of the conflict. His government was accused by international organisations and rights groups of carrying out serious abuses against civilians. The former government repeatedly rejected many of the allegations.
Assad’s rule eventually came to an end in December 2024. Opposition-led forces advanced towards Damascus, forcing him to leave the country with members of his family.
He subsequently travelled to Moscow, where Russia provided him with protection.
The latest verdict is the first death sentence against Assad under Syria’s transitional authorities. The new authorities have begun legal proceedings against officials and figures associated with the former government.
Some defendants have appeared before the courts in person, while proceedings against others have been conducted in absentia.
The case against Assad is therefore being closely watched as part of broader efforts to address alleged crimes committed during the conflict.
The death sentence also represents a dramatic reversal for a leader who remained at the centre of Syrian politics for decades.