Syria’s transitional judicial authorities have issued a historic death sentence against ousted ruler Bashar al‑Assad, finding him guilty in absentia of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the country’s brutal civil war. This marks the first time Assad has been formally sentenced by a Syrian court since his government collapsed, signalling a dramatic shift in post‑war accountability efforts.
Assad fled Syria with his family in December 2024, taking refuge in Moscow after Islamist‑led forces captured Damascus, ending more than two decades of his rule. Born in 1965, Assad assumed power in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al‑Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 30 years. His presidency became synonymous with repression, mass detentions, and widespread civilian casualties during the uprising that began in 2011.
The Damascus criminal court also sentenced Atef Najib, a former security official, to death. Najib, who headed the Political Security Branch in Daraa during the early days of the uprising, appeared in court under heavy security, standing inside a cage as the verdict was read. He is one of the most senior former regime figures to face trial since the transitional authorities began prosecuting Assad‑era officials earlier this year.
The court found Najib guilty of premeditated murder, torture, and overseeing violent crackdowns that fuelled nationwide unrest. His conviction is seen as a symbolic milestone for victims seeking justice after years of conflict.
These rulings reflect the transitional government’s effort to demonstrate a break from the past and respond to demands for justice from families affected by the war.