Syria sentences cousin of Bashar al-Assad to death
The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus sentenced Wasseem Assad, a cousin of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to death for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Syrian civil war. The court also imposed additional penalties, including prison terms and asset seizure, while acquitting him on drug trafficking charges due to insufficient evidence.
Consensus
- The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus sentenced Wasseem al-Assad to death.
- Wasseem al-Assad was found guilty of multiple killings and torture, classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- The crimes were linked to the Syrian civil war that began in 2011.
- The court also sentenced Wasseem al-Assad to three years in prison for causing permanent disability and for fraud.
- A fine of 1,000 Syrian pounds was imposed.
- The court ordered the seizure of all his movable and immovable property.
- Wasseem al-Assad was acquitted on charges of drug smuggling and trafficking due to insufficient evidence.
- The trial began on June 24.
- He was arrested approximately one year before the verdict, near the Syrian-Lebanese border.
- Bashar al-Assad was sentenced to death in absentia on August 11.
- Bashar al-Assad is currently in Russia.
Points of divergence
- Atef Najib, another cousin of Bashar al-Assad, was also sentenced to death for his role as head of political security in Deraa province. — vedomosti
- Wasseem al-Assad was the first member of Bashar al-Assad's family to be sentenced to death in person. — kommerant
- The armed group linked to Wasseem al-Assad attacked a shop in Daramana, looted it, and kidnapped the owner due to his opposition views. — tg_theinsider
- Bashar al-Assad arrived in Russia after being overthrown in December 2024. — vedomosti
Coverage (4 sources)
- In Syria, cousin of Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death — Коммерсантъ
- In Syria, cousin of Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death — The Insider
- Damascus court sentenced Bashar Assad's cousin to death — Вести
- Cousin of Assad sentenced to death — Ведомости