Assad Sentenced to Death in Absentia | UK News

A Syrian court has sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes, crimes against humanity, premeditated murder—including of children—and torture during the civil war. The ruling marks the first major conviction under Syria’s new transitional government, as courts begin prosecuting former regime figures. Assad, now living quietly in Russia, fled Syria last year amid rebel advances. He’s reportedly practicing ophthalmology and playing video games under Russian protection. Also sentenced: Atef Najib, former head of political security in Deraa, who was tried in person. The war, which killed over 300,000 civilians—with 90% killed by government forces—also saw 154,000 forcibly disappeared or detained, and 135,000 tortured or imprisoned. Chemical weapons attacks were also widespread. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c196da8b31dcb074