# Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia

2026-08-13T08:40:16+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

A Syrian criminal court in Damascus has sentenced ousted president Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher al-Assad to death in absentia for murder, torture, arbitrary arrests and crimes against humanity during Syria's nearly 14-year civil war that killed about half a million people. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, is the first conviction against Assad by transitional authorities since his regime collapsed in December 2024. However, Assad remains in Russia, where he and his family were granted asylum after fleeing Damascus when rebel forces captured the city. Times of India reports his location is not publicly confirmed, but a Guardian investigation found he likely lives in Rublyovka, a guarded Moscow suburb. Assad claims he stayed in Damascus until December 8, 2024, and left only after the Russian military evacuated him from Khmeimim airbase.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bashar-al-assad-syria-damascus-vladimir-putin-al-assad-faces-gallows-in-damascus-in-russia-he-remains-a-protected-guest-11902426#publisher=newsstand>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/where-is-bashar-al-assad-ousted-syrian-dictator-sentenced-to-death-in-absentia/articleshow/133208051.cms>

Tags: Bashar al-Assad, civil war, Damascus court, in absentia sentencing, Syria, war crimes
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