A Syrian court has sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during a civil war in which about half a million people died. His brother Maher received the same sentence.
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Key facts
- Former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was sentenced to death in absentia by a Syrian court.
- His brother Maher al-Assad received the same sentence.
- The convictions relate to crimes against humanity and war crimes during Syria's 14-year civil war.
- About half a million people died during the conflict, according to The Guardian.
- Both men fled to Moscow after being ousted by a rebel offensive in December 2024.
A Syrian court has sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the country’s civil war, according to Sky News, the BBC and other outlets.
The Guardian and NPR reported that Assad’s brother, Maher al-Assad, was handed the same death sentence. The verdict relates to atrocities carried out during Syria’s 14-year civil war, a conflict in which about half a million people died, according to The Guardian.
Both men were tried in absentia, meaning they were not present in court for the proceedings. The Guardian reported that Bashar and Maher al-Assad fled to Moscow after being removed from power.
The Assad regime was toppled by what The Guardian described as a lightning rebel offensive in December 2024, which brought down the government in just 11 days after decades of family rule.
The BBC reported that the former president was convicted of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country’s civil war, while NPR noted the conflict lasted 14 years and left roughly half a million people dead.
The rulings mark a significant moment in Syria’s post-Assad transition, as courts in the country begin to formally address alleged crimes committed under the former government. The sources did not provide further detail on how or whether the sentences could be carried out given that both men are reported to be outside the country.
Why it matters
The death sentences represent one of the most prominent judicial reckonings so far for a conflict that killed an estimated half a million people. Because both men are reported to be in Moscow, the ruling also raises questions about whether such in-absentia verdicts can ever be enforced.
Frequently asked questions
What was Bashar al-Assad convicted of?
According to the BBC and other outlets, the former Syrian president was convicted of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the country's 14-year civil war.
Was anyone else sentenced alongside him?
Yes. The Guardian and NPR reported that Assad's brother, Maher al-Assad, was also sentenced to death in absentia.
Where are Bashar and Maher al-Assad now?
The Guardian reported that the two men fled to Moscow after being ousted by a rebel offensive in December 2024.
Timeline
- Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia
Al Jazeera: Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia
- Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes
The Guardian World: Verdict relates to atrocities committed during the country’s 14-year civil war in which about 500,000 people died A Syrian court has sentenced the country’s former president Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes duri
- Former Syrian President Assad sentenced to death in absentia
NPR News: A Syrian court sentenced Assad along with his brother to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes during Syria's 14-year conflict that left about half a million people dead.
- Ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia
BBC World: The ex-president is convicted of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's civil war.
- Bashar al Assad sentenced to death in absentia by Syrian court for war crimes
Sky News: Former Syrian president Bashar al Assad has been sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes, following a ruling by a court in the country.
- Bashar al Assad sentenced to death by Syrian court
Sky News: Former Syrian president Bashar al Assad has been sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes, following a ruling by a court in the country.