Syria Sentences Former Assad-Era Grand Mufti to Life in Prison

A Syrian court has handed a life sentence to Ahmad Hassoun, the country's former grand mufti during the Bashar Assad era. The religious cleric, who consistently backed the regime's actions, was convicted of multiple crimes, including inciting sectarian strife and justifying murder.

Judge Fakhreddine al-Aryan stated that the religious establishment under Assad had "justified the use of barrel bombs that targeted civilian areas and caused widespread destruction, which constitutes a violation of the rules of international humanitarian law." Hassoun's sentencing marks the tenth conviction of an Assad-era official under Syria's new authorities.

This development follows earlier sentences, including the in absentia death sentences imposed on Bashar Assad and his brother Maher for atrocities committed during Syria's civil war. The conflict, which began in 2011, resulted in over half a million deaths and millions displaced, concluding in December 2024 with Assad's ouster by militant forces. Assad is believed to be in Russia.

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the official religious establishment under Assad had "justified the use of barrel bombs that targeted civilian areas and caused widespread destruction, which constitutes a violation of the rules of international humanitarian law."

While the sentences have been welcomed by some Syrians critical of the new government's pace in addressing former officials, human rights groups like Human Rights Watch have raised concerns. Balkees Jarrah, the Middle East and North Africa director for HRW, cautioned that "advancing justice for the litany of serious crimes committed in Syria requires more than just convictions, but building a system that can deliver competent, impartial, and independent justice."

Hassoun, 77, served as Syria's top Islamic cleric from 2005 until the position was abolished in 2021. Known for his close ties to Assad, he was arrested at Damascus Airport in March 2025 while attempting to flee the country.

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Advancing justice for the litany of serious crimes committed in Syria requires more than just convictions, but building a system that can deliver competent, impartial, and independent justice.