A Syrian court has handed down death sentences in absentia to former Syrian President Bashar Assad and his younger brother for their involvement in crimes against humanity and war crimes throughout the 14-year Syrian conflict that resulted in approximately 500,000 deaths. This ruling marks the first time that Assad or his close associates have faced such severe consequences since their decades-long reign came to an end 20 months ago.

During a live broadcast on state TV, Judge Fakhareddine al-Aryan stated that Bashar Assad utilized state mechanisms to perpetrate war crimes and crimes against humanity. Alongside Assad, his maternal cousin Atef Najib was also sentenced to death for his role in overseeing a brutal crackdown in the Daraa province, which ultimately sparked the uprising leading to the civil war.

Najib, a former Syrian army brigadier general sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in April 2011, was a key official responsible for the political security branch in Daraa province under Assad’s leadership in 2011. Notably, he was implicated in the arrest and torture of several teenagers who protested against the government, igniting widespread demonstrations against Assad’s oppressive regime.

While Assad and his brother Maher sought refuge in Russia following the collapse of their government in December 2024, the new Syrian authorities have requested their extradition from Russia. The sentencing of Najib has been met with approval by some of his victims present at the courthouse, who expressed a sense of justice finally being served after years of suffering.

Human Rights Watch has criticized the death penalty in all instances, including this case, emphasizing the importance of fair trial procedures and the need for a lasting justice system to ensure accountability for past crimes committed during the Assad era. Najib retains the right to appeal, underscoring the necessity for due process and adherence to fair trial standards in seeking justice for the atrocities committed.