Syrian Court Issues Death Sentence to Former President Assad and Brother
In a landmark ruling, a Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar Assad and his younger brother to death, charging them with crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Syria’s prolonged conflict, which lasted 14 years and claimed approximately half a million lives.
This verdict, delivered by the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus, marks the first legal action against Assad and his close associates since the fall of the Assad regime nearly two years ago. Judge Fakhareddine al-Aryan, who presided over the case, stated, “Bashar Assad used state agencies to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity,” as the proceedings were broadcast live on national television.
Alongside Assad, Atef Najib, Assad’s maternal cousin, was also sentenced to death. Najib, who oversaw a notorious crackdown in the Daraa province that sparked the civil unrest, has the right to appeal, according to Judge al-Aryan. Najib appeared in court under heavy security, dressed in a prison uniform and confined within a cage, while a crowd awaited the decision outside the courthouse.
Najib, sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2011, is among the highest-ranking officials to face trial. During his tenure as head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa, teenagers were arrested and tortured for anti-government graffiti, an event that ignited widespread protests against Assad’s regime.
In the aftermath of the government’s collapse in December 2024, Bashar and Maher Assad fled to Russia, where they were granted asylum. The new Syrian leadership has since requested their extradition from Russia. Maher Assad, once a commander of the Syrian military’s 4th Armored Division, faces allegations of involvement in numerous human rights abuses.
Several victims of Najib’s actions, including individuals detained as teenagers, were present at the court. Mouawiya Sayasneh, a victim, remarked, “Today we reached a point where the blood was not wasted,” expressing satisfaction with Najib’s sentence. Another victim, Nayef Abazeid, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that their ultimate relief would come with Bashar Assad’s execution.
Despite the verdicts, human rights organizations continue to voice concerns. Hiba Zayadin from Human Rights Watch cautioned, “Today’s scenes outside the courthouse reflect 15 years of pain and a justice long denied. Human Rights Watch opposes the death penalty in all cases, including this one.” She stressed the need for fair trial standards, especially if Najib appeals, and advocated for a durable justice system in Syria to ensure accountability for Assad-era crimes.
For more details, read the full report and background on the Assad family’s rule and the ongoing pursuit of justice in Syria.
