Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Sentenced to Death, Held Responsible for the Deaths of Millions

A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad and his younger brother Maher al-Assad to death. Both were accused of being responsible for mass killings and atrocities during Syria’s 14-year-long civil war. Both had fled to Russia after being ousted from power in December 2024, so the verdict was delivered in their absence.

Cousin Brought to Court in a Cage

Bashar al-Assad’s cousin Atef Najib was also sentenced to death in the case. Atef was brought to court in a prisoner’s uniform and inside a cage under heavy security. Atef Najib was a former brigadier general in the Syrian Army. In 2011, he was the head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa province. He was accused of ordering a harsh crackdown on protesters.

Civil War Began in Daraa

The civil war in Syria began in March 2011 in the city of Daraa. Some schoolchildren had written anti-government slogans on walls, following which they were arrested and allegedly tortured. Protests began in response to the incident. Following the government crackdown, the situation continued to deteriorate and the movement turned into an armed conflict. Soon, the entire country was engulfed in civil war.

Millions Lost Their Lives

Around 500,000 people were killed in the nearly 14-year-long conflict. Millions were displaced, while cities and villages across the country suffered massive destruction. During the conflict, Russia and Iran supported the Assad government, while Turkey, the United States and other countries backed different rebel groups.

Assad Rule Ended in 2024

In December 2024, rebel groups captured Damascus and overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s government. With this, the Assad family’s nearly 53-year rule over Syria came to an end. Before the fall of his government, Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia with his family. After that, a new government was formed under rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Why Russia Could Not Save Assad

During the civil war, Russia, Iran and Hezbollah were major supporters of the Assad government. But the situation changed in 2024. Iran-backed groups and Hezbollah were weakened by Israeli attacks, while Russia was occupied with the Ukraine war.

Meanwhile, rebel groups launched a major offensive from northwestern Syria and rapidly captured several cities. On December 8, 2024, the rebels reached Damascus and the Assad government collapsed.