Syria: Court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia in landmark trial

Damascus court sentenced Syria's former strongman, his brother Maher and former security official Atef Najib to death on charges of murder, torture and incitement to murder Published date: 11 August 2026 09:50 BST | Last update: 10 sec ago A Damascus court sentenced Syria's former strongman Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher and former security official Atef Najib to death on Tuesday on charges of murder, torture and incitement to murder. Najib was tried in person, while Bashar and Maher were tried in absentia. The court convicted Assad of premeditated murder of multiple people, including children, as well as torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity. The ruling against Assad, who fled with his family to Moscow as armed opposition forces closed in on Damascus in December 2024, is the first issued under the transitional authorities. The interim government began prosecuting figures from the former government this year, both in person and in absentia. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters This is a developing story. More soon. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.