Syrian Court Issues Death Sentence in Absentia Against Bashar al-Assad Over Alleged Crimes Against Humanity

Syrian Court Issues Death Sentence in Absentia Against Bashar al-Assad Over Alleged Crimes Against Humanity
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A Syrian criminal court has issued a death sentence in absentia against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after convicting him of charges including intentional killing, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity.

During Tuesday’s sentencing session, Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan said the court found Bashar al-Assad guilty of multiple crimes involving the deliberate killing of individuals, including children, as well as torture, unlawful detention and crimes against humanity, and sentenced him to death in absentia.

The court also issued a death sentence against former security official Atef Najib, who previously served as head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa province. Najib was accused of involvement in killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and the suppression of protests that began in the province in 2011.

The ruling followed the eighth hearing of the case, held on August 4, during which the court heard statements from the prosecution, plaintiffs and defense representatives. Prosecutors had requested convictions and the maximum penalties for several former officials and fugitives named in the case, including Bashar al-Assad, Maher al-Assad and others.

The charges against Najib included responsibility for arrest campaigns in Daraa, particularly the detention of children in March 2011, as well as allegations of using live ammunition against protesters and involvement in torture cases that resulted in deaths inside detention facilities.

The trial process began on April 26 as part of a judicial procedure that authorities said aims to investigate alleged violations, provide justice for victims and hold those responsible accountable.

Under Syria’s criminal procedure law, criminal courts may conduct trials in absentia against defendants who are fugitives or not in custody after completing legal notification procedures and required deadlines, and may issue verdicts covering criminal charges and related civil compensation claims.