Syrian court sentences Wassim al-Assad to death for war crimes
Quick Look
A Syrian court has sentenced Wassim al-Assad, a cousin of former ruler Bashar al-Assad, to death for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder and torture committed by armed groups under his command near Damascus.
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Why It Matters
Syria began proceedings in April against Bashar al-Assad and other officials for atrocities committed during the 14-year civil war.
A Syrian court on Tuesday handed a death sentence to Wassim al-Assad who appeared in the dock, a cousin of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad who was himself sentenced to death in absentia last week.
The 46-year-old relative of Assad was convicted over atrocities committed under the autocrat’s rule during the country’s nearly 14-year civil war.
Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan said Assad’s cousin was convicted of multiple murders and “murder accompanied by torture and brutality … classified as crimes against humanity and war crimes”, adding that “he is therefore sentenced to death”.
Syria in April began proceedings against Bashar al-Assad and other officials accused of atrocities during the country’s civil war, which erupted with the brutal repression of pro-democracy protesters by the former authorities.
More than half a million people were subsequently killed and millions displaced, while tens of thousands disappeared.
The court found that Wassim al-Assad had formed two armed groups loyal to the former authorities that took part in deadly attacks near capital Damascus.
Open Questions
- Will the death sentences be carried out?
- What is the current status of the former authorities?
