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

A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, with the former leader reportedly living in exile in Russia. His younger brother, Maher Assad, and a cousin were also handed death sentences on Tuesday.

The court found both Assad brothers guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 14-year civil war that has devastated the country. The cousin, Atef Najib, who was a military leader in the former regime, was convicted of brutally suppressing opposition in Deraa province before the war began.

Assad was overthrown and forced to flee the country in December 2024, with rebels taking power under the current president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Assad and his brother are believed to have been living in Moscow since their departure. These verdicts are the first against members of Syria's former regime, with legal proceedings having commenced earlier this year against both those present in the country and those who have fled abroad.