Why Was Former Syrian President Bashar Assad Sentenced To Death

A Syrian court has sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes during the country’s 14-year conflict, the Associated Press reported.

Assad’s younger brother, Maher, and maternal cousin Atef Najib were also sentenced to death in the same case. Najib was accused of leading the 2011 crackdown in Daraa, where the uprising against Assad’s government began.

Najib was later detained and became one of the most senior former Syrian officials to face trial. He previously served as a Syrian army brigadier general and headed the Political Security Branch in Daraa in 2011.

The sentences were issued as Najib appeared in court under tight security.

Related Tweet:

BREAKING: Bashar al-Assad, Atef Najib sentenced to death in landmark Syria trial

Read more: https://t.co/zacoF3ZH0J pic.twitter.com/P6bz2E1FmI

— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) August 11, 2026

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff