Syria’s ousted leader Bashar al-Assad was sentenced to death in absentia by the courts in Damascus Tuesday. This nearly two years after former president sought asylum in Russia when his government fell in December 2024. Al-Assad and other officials, including his brother and cousin, were convicted of crimes against humanity during Syria’s 14-year civil war, which left nearly half a million people dead. Syrians could be seen cheering outside the courthouse as news of the death sentences spread. Atef Najib, an Assad-era security official, also appeared in court, with Judge Fakhrr al-Din al-Aryan “implementing the most severe punishment against him, which is execution.” As Syria's current government seeks al-Assad's repatriation, Prosecutor Noha Al-Masri says the sentencing is an “important step on the path of transitional justice in modern Syria.” For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc Follow Global News on X HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt Follow Global News on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalnews.ca?lang=en #GlobalNews #syria