Syrian court sentences Bashar Assad to death in absentia for war crimes

A criminal court in Damascus has sentenced ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad, his brother Maher Assad, and their cousin Atef Najib to death in absentia after convicting them of murder, torture, and abuses against Syrians.

The court found Bashar Assad guilty of the premeditated killing of numerous people, including children, and of torturing civilians, stating that he used state agencies to commit acts amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Maher Assad was also convicted of premeditated murder, intent to kill, torture, and incitement, and was sentenced to death.

The verdict included Atef Najib, who was found guilty of premeditated murder and torture. The court ruled that his actions constituted war crimes and crimes against humanity, and said his denial of all charges was contradicted by the evidence presented.

The court also decided to pursue international legal action against Bashar and Maher Assad as part of ongoing judicial proceedings.