Ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes

The sentences at the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus are the first against Assad or members of his inner circle since the family’s five decades in power came to an end 20 months ago

A photo of Syria's ousted president Bashar al-Assad on a building in the capital city of Damascas before the outbreak of the civil war.

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026 - 17:40

Associated Press Reporter

A Syrian court has sentenced ousted president Bashar al-Assad and his younger brother to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes during the country’s 14-year conflict that left about half a million people dead.

The sentences at the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus are the first against Assad or members of his inner circle since the family’s five decades in power came to an end 20 months ago.