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Former Syrian President Assad sentenced to death in absentia
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- A Syrian court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher, and cousin Atef Najib to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes during Syria's 14-year conflict that caused around half a million deaths.
- This marks the first time since the Assad family's five-decade rule ended 20 months ago that members of the inner circle have been tried and sentenced.
- Najib, who was detained and appeared in court, was convicted for his role in the crackdown in Daraa province that sparked the uprising and civil war; he was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury.
- Bashar and Maher Assad fled to Russia after their government's fall in December 2024 and have been granted political asylum, though Syria's new authorities have requested their extradition.
- Maher Assad, a former military commander, has been accused by opposition activists of involvement in killings, torture, extortion, drug trafficking, and running detention centers during the conflict.
