Syria sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over atrocities

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A Syrian court sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for atrocities during the country's civil war. Assad fled to Moscow amid a rapid offensive by Islamist-led forces, and the new Syrian transitional leadership has vowed to ensure justice and accountability for past crimes.

A Syrian court on Tuesday sentenced former ruler Bashar al-Assad to death after a trial in absentia, convicting him of atrocities committed during the country's nearly 14-year civil war. It is the first such ruling under Syria's transitional leaders who ousted Assad in December 2024, vowing to provide justice and accountability for crimes committed under his rule. Assad fled to Moscow as Islamist-led forces closed in on Damascus after a lightning offensive.