DAMASCUS — A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad, his younger brother Maher al-Assad and former security official Atef Najib to death over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to media reports.
The court announced the verdict on Tuesday in a case linked to Syria’s 14-year conflict.
The conflict killed hundreds of thousands of people and forced millions from their homes.
Bashar and Maher al-Assad Sentenced in Absentia
The court sentenced Bashar al-Assad and Maher al-Assad in absentia.
The two brothers left Syria and went to Russia after rebel fighters entered Damascus in December 2024.
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They have remained outside Syria since the fall of the Assad government.
The court’s decision marks a major legal development involving members of the former Syrian leadership.
Atef Najib Receives Death Sentence
The court also sentenced Atef Najib to death.
Najib served as head of the political security branch in Syria’s southern Daraa province in 2011.
Authorities accused him of leading a crackdown against anti-government demonstrations in the province.
Those protests later developed into a nationwide uprising and eventually a prolonged civil war.
Najib Appears in Court Under Heavy Security
Najib appeared in court under heavy security.
Reports said officials placed him inside a small cage while he wore prison clothing.
The judge then read the death sentence against him.
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Najib previously held the rank of brigadier general in the Syrian military.
He became one of the senior officials from the Assad era to face trial after his arrest.
Syria’s Conflict Began in 2011
The Syrian uprising began in 2011 with protests against Bashar al-Assad’s government.
The unrest quickly escalated into a complex and devastating war involving government forces, opposition groups and armed organizations.
The conflict caused hundreds of thousands of deaths.
Millions of Syrians also suffered injuries, while millions more fled their homes and sought refuge inside and outside the country.
Verdict Marks Major Legal Development
The death sentences represent a major judicial action against senior figures from the former Assad government.
The case focuses on alleged abuses committed during the years of conflict.
The verdict could have wider implications for efforts to hold former Syrian officials accountable for alleged crimes committed during the war.
The defendants’ ability to appeal or challenge the verdict remains a key issue following the court’s decision.
