Syrian court sentences Assad to death in absentia

A criminal court in Damascus on Tuesday sentenced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia after convicting him of premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity, according to the SANA state news agency. Judge Al-Aryan of the Fourth Criminal Court issued the ruling following testimony that established the former president's central role in the atrocities.

The judge stated that witness testimony had established Assad's role as "the highest decision-maker," noting that he had used state institutions to facilitate the commission of the crimes. The court specifically cited premeditated murder involving multiple victims including children alongside systematic torture and unlawful imprisonment.

Scope of convictions

The Fourth Criminal Court delivered the verdict in absentia after proceedings that detailed the former president's command responsibility over state security apparatuses. The conviction encompasses charges of crimes against humanity committed during Assad's tenure as head of state, according to the official SANA report.