A Syrian court has handed down death sentences in absentia to ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad and his younger brother for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Syria’s 14-year conflict, resulting in approximately half a million deaths. This marks the first time that Assad or members of his inner circle have been sentenced since the family’s decades-long rule ended 20 months ago.
Judge Fakhareddine al-Aryan, during a live court session broadcast on state TV, stated that Bashar Assad utilized state agencies to perpetrate war crimes and crimes against humanity. Atef Najib, Assad’s maternal cousin, was also sentenced to death in the same case for overseeing a crackdown in Daraa, leading to the uprising and subsequent civil war.
Najib, who was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in April 2011, served as a former Syrian army brigadier general and headed the political security branch in Daraa under Assad in 2011. During his tenure, a group of teenagers who protested against the government were arrested and subjected to torture, sparking mass protests against Assad’s oppressive regime.
Assad and his brother Maher sought refuge in Russia following the government’s collapse in December 2024 and have been granted political asylum. The new authorities in Syria have requested Russia to extradite the Assads. The sentencing of Najib was met with approval by some of his victims present at the courthouse, who expressed relief at the judgment.
Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the death penalty in this case, emphasizing the importance of ensuring fair trial standards in the appeals process. Establishing a lasting justice system in Syria is crucial for holding all accountable for crimes committed during the Assad era.