Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity, premeditated planning, and intentional killing.

According to the news agency, the court also sentenced Bashar al-Assad’s cousin and former security official, Atif Najib, to death. Najib was present in court when the verdict was announced.

Atif Najib was the head of the Political Security Branch in Syria’s Daraa province in 2011 and also held the rank of Brigadier General in the Syrian Army. He was accused of playing a role in the crackdown on anti-government protests in Daraa, which was followed by the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

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It is worth noting that on December 8, 2024, Syrian rebels captured Damascus and ended Bashar al-Assad’s government. Following the fall of his government, Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, while his cousin Atef Najib was arrested.

The Assad family ruled Syria for several decades. Hafez al-Assad served as Syria’s president from 1971 to 2000. After his death, his son Bashar al-Assad assumed power in July 2000 and remained president until the fall of his government in December 2024.