Court also hands death sentence to Assad’s cousin and former security official Atef Najib over killings linked to the 2011 crackdown in Daraa.
A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia on charges of premeditated and intentional murder, according to international media reports.
The ruling marks one of the most significant legal actions taken against Assad since he was removed from power and fled the country following a series of attacks in December 2024.
The court also sentenced Assad-era security official and cousin, Atef Najib, to death. Unlike Assad, Najib was present in the courtroom when the verdict was announced and was reportedly wearing the standard attire designated for defendants.
Charges Linked to Daraa Crackdown
Atef Najib previously served as a brigadier general in the Syrian military and headed the Political Security Branch in the southern province of Daraa in 2011.
Prosecutors accused Najib of overseeing a harsh crackdown on protesters in Daraa during the early stages of the Syrian uprising. The crackdown is widely regarded as a key event that contributed to the outbreak of Syria’s prolonged civil war.
According to the court, both Assad and Najib were found guilty of planning and carrying out acts that resulted in the deliberate killing of civilians.
Assad Fled to Russia After 2024 Offensive
Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher al-Assad fled to Russia following a major offensive in December 2024 that led to the collapse of the Assad government.
Since then, Syrian authorities have launched investigations and legal proceedings against several former regime officials accused of human rights violations and crimes committed during the country’s years-long conflict.
The latest ruling represents a major development in Syria’s efforts to hold former officials accountable for actions carried out during the Assad era.
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