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🇬🇭 Ghana /Crime & Justice

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death for war crimes

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency In the courts
  • A Syrian court sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad and his brother to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
  • The sentences mark the first against al-Assad or his inner circle since the end of his family's decades-long rule.
  • Al-Assad and his brother have reportedly fled to Russia and received political asylum, with Syria's new rulers seeking their extradition.

A Syrian court has issued death sentences in absentia for former President Bashar al-Assad and his younger brother, Maher al-Assad, for their roles in war crimes and crimes against humanity during the nation's 14-year conflict.

Bashar al-Assad used state agencies to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity.

— Judge Fakhareddine al-AryanAnnouncing the verdict in the Damascus court.

The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus delivered the verdicts yesterday, marking the first such sentences against al-Assad or his close associates since his family's 50-year grip on power ended 20 months prior. Judge Fakhareddine al-Aryan stated that Bashar al-Assad utilized state agencies to perpetrate these crimes.

Also condemned to death was Atef Najib, al-Assad's maternal cousin and former head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa province. Najib was convicted for overseeing a crackdown that ignited the uprising leading to the civil war. The judge noted Najib has the right to appeal.

Today is the day of justice for all the wounded, martyrs, detainees and Syrians who were forced to leave their country.

— Adnan al-MasalmehRepresenting victims' families outside the courthouse.

Al-Assad and his brother are reported to have sought refuge in Russia, where they have been granted political asylum. Syria's current leadership has requested their handover from Moscow. Najib, previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2011, is among the highest-ranking security officials to face trial.

Today marks a victory of right against injustice, a victory of the Syrian people against the ousted regime.

— Adnan al-MasalmehCommenting on the court's decision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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