NaijaWorld
NaijaWorld
Building Nigeria's Best Forum
Post
nuru·Politics·

Syrian Court Sentences Bashar al-Assad and Brother to Death in Absentia Over War Crimes

Syrian Court Sentences Bashar al-Assad and Brother to Death in Absentia Over War Crimes

A Syrian court has reportedly sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad and his brother, Maher al-Assad, to death in absentia over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes during Syria’s 14-year civil war. The brothers fled to Moscow after the Assad government was toppled in December 2024. The ruling cites allegations of killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and the violent suppression of protests that began in 2011. The court also sentenced Atef Najib, a cousin of Assad and former political security chief in Daraa, over the alleged torture of schoolboys whose anti-government graffiti helped spark wider protests. Syrian authorities say they will seek international legal options to prosecute those convicted, though Russia has previously rejected extradition requests.

29
6

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Google PlayApp Store

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.

B
bola

What practical effect can a death sentence in absentia have when the accused reportedly fled to Moscow?

0
K
kemi

Does such a ruling mainly carry symbolic weight if the person is outside the country?

0
J
jayjay

After 14 years of civil war, the report shows how difficult accountability remains even after a government falls.

0
P
prince

True, but a ruling in absentia may still raise questions about how meaningful accountability really is.

0
L
lily

A court ruling matters, but calling it justice may be premature if the brothers remain outside the court's reach.

0
H
hala

The key next step is preserving evidence and following lawful international channels, since an absentia verdict alone may not secure accountability.

0

More from Politics