Syrian court sentences former president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia
A court in Syria sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, convicting him of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the country's civil war. Assad, who fled the country in 2024, remains in exile in Moscow.
A court in Damascus sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, convicting him of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the country's civil war. Assad was not present for the verdict, having fled to Moscow in 2024.
The court found Assad responsible for serious human rights violations committed over the course of the conflict. The ruling is being viewed as one of the most significant legal steps taken during the country's ongoing political transition.
Assad stepped down after leading the country for 24 years. Enforcement of the death sentence remains uncertain in practice, given that he continues to reside in Russia, where he has been granted exile.
Read next
Houthis kill four in first deadly attack since start of Iran war, Yemen says
Yemeni authorities said four people were killed when Houthi forces attacked a small cargo ship, in what officials described as the group's first deadly strike since the start of the Iran war. The attack was reportedly carried out by an Iranian proxy as regional tensions over the US-Iran conflict remain high.
Russia frees ailing former US marine after Putin approves 'goodwill' pardon
Libyan authorities battle major blaze at oil refinery after third drone strike in two days
DR Congo Ebola outbreak kills more than 2,000, fastest-growing on record
