Damascus Court sentences Assad leaders to death
The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus issued sentences of death against Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, Atef Naji, as well as five other defendants, on charges related to murder, torture, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, in connection with investigations into abuses that occurred since the protests in Daraa in 2011. The court stated that evidence and testimonies confirmed that detainees and minors were subjected to torture and electric shocks, and live ammunition was used against protesters during the early weeks of the demonstrations. The court also held Atef Naji responsible for arrests and torture, and considered Bashar al-Assad responsible for crimes committed during the years of conflict, accusing him of directing policies and supervising security and military agencies. Some of the actions were described as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The death sentences were issued for each of the defendants, and the court imposed additional prison sentences on Atef Naji. The most severe punishment was to be executed, with arrest warrants remaining in effect against fugitives, their assets confiscated, and efforts made to pursue them internationally. The rulings also mandated that the convicted pay compensation to the victims. The court noted that the crimes in question are not subject to prescription, and that immunities do not prevent prosecution. The verdicts issued in absentia remain revocable if the defendants are arrested or surrender themselves.
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