Amnesty International urges Syria to abolish death penalty for Bashar Assad

Amnesty International has called on Syria to abolish the use of the death penalty against Bashar Assad.

The organization noted that the in absentia death sentence handed down to Bashar Assad, Maher Assad, and Atef Najib marks the first such verdict issued by Syria’s transitional authorities.

Amnesty also urged Syria to end trials in absentia and the use of capital punishment, and to reform the judicial system to ensure fair trial standards and compliance with international law.

The organization added that holding those responsible for crimes committed under Assad accountable should be a step toward justice, truth, and reparations for victims, and should take place before ordinary civilian courts, with victim participation, and without resorting to the death penalty.

Amnesty International further called for the criminalization of core international crimes under national legislation, and for prosecutions to be part of a comprehensive, victim-centered national strategy.