Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia

A Syrian court has handed down a death sentence in absentia to former President Bashar al-Assad, holding him responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the nation's protracted 14-year conflict. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday.

His younger brother, Maher al-Assad, also received the same sentence in connection with the same case. Atef Najib, Bashar al-Assad's maternal cousin and a former brigadier general in the Syrian army, was also sentenced to death. Najib was found guilty for his role in the violent suppression of protests in the southern province of Daraa, the initial epicenter of demonstrations that escalated into a nationwide revolt and subsequently a civil war.

The Syrian conflict, which erupted in 2011 following the crackdown on anti-regime protests, has led to an estimated 500,000 deaths and displaced millions. Najib was present for the sentencing, which took place under strict security measures. He appeared in a defendant's cage, wearing a prisoner's uniform.

Bashar al-Assad and Maher al-Assad reportedly fled to Russia after insurgent forces entered Damascus in December 2014, marking an end to the Assad regime's control. Atef Najib was later arrested and became one of the most prominent former regime officials brought before the court. His leadership of the Political Security branch in Daraa during the early protests is cited as a key factor in the violent repression that fueled the wider conflict.