Syrian Ex-President Bashar al-Assad Sentenced to Death for War Crimes

A Syrian court sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia on August 11 for crimes against humanity, including torture and mass killings.

The verdict also applies to former official Atef Najib, following a lengthy legal process documenting systemic abuses during the Syrian conflict.

International observers note the ruling marks a symbolic end to the Assad era, though the former leader remains in hiding outside the country's jurisdiction.