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Ousted Syrian Dictator Bashar al-Assad Sentenced to Death in Absentia
Just the facts
The court convicted Assad of premeditated murder, systemic torture, and crimes against humanity committed during the 14-year conflict that resulted in an estimated 500,000 deaths. Former security official Atef Najib was also sentenced to death in absentia under identical charges related to violence against political dissidents. Legal representatives for the post-Assad government stated they would seek international red notices through Interpol to pursue the extraditions of the convicted former officials. Assad and his family currently remain in asylum in Russia following the collapse of his regime.
Why this is news
A Syrian judicial tribunal issued a death sentence in absentia against ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his brother, military commander Maher al-Assad. The ruling represents the first formal judicial verdict handed down by new Syrian authorities regarding civil war crimes.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.