Brief: A Syrian court sentenced former President Bashar Assad and his brother, Maher, to death in absentia on Tuesday for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This ruling marks the first time Assad and others in his circle face charges since his family’s rule ended 20 months ago.
Judge Fakhareddine al-Aryan stated, “Bashar Assad used state agencies to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity,” during the live court session aired on state TV.
Also sentenced was Assad’s cousin, Atef Najib, for overseeing a crackdown in Daraa, which sparked the uprising that led to the civil war. Najib was present in court, visibly restrained and dressed in a prison uniform, while crowds gathered outside the courthouse to witness the verdict.
Assad and Maher fled to Russia after losing power in December 2024 and are currently living under political asylum there. Syria’s new leadership has requested Russia to hand over the Assads.
Najib, a former army brigadier general, had previously faced sanctions from the U.S. Treasury in 2011 and was one of the highest-ranked officials to be tried. During his time as head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa, numerous children who protested against the regime were arrested and tortured, triggering widespread protests and a violent government response that escalated into a prolonged civil war.
Maher Assad, who commanded the military’s 4th Armored Division, has been accused of various atrocities, including killings and extortion during the conflict.
