A Syrian court has sentenced ousted President Bashar Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia for crimes against humanity during Syria's 14-year conflict.

A Syrian court sentenced ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad along with his younger brother to death in absentia on Tuesday for crimes against humanity and war crimes during Syria’s 14-year conflict that left about half a million people dead.

The sentences at the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus are the first against Assad or members of his inner circle since the Assad family’s five decades in power came to an end 20 months ago.

“Bashar Assad used state agencies to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity,” said judge Fakhareddine al-Aryan during a court session that was aired live on state TV.

  • idiomaddictEnglish
    3·
    4 days ago

    An out of power politician could still share intelligence in general, but I’m not sure how useful that would be in this case with a separate government in power.

    • kuhli@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      2·
      3 days ago

      I don’t think it’s that so much as protecting him is useful to keep allies on your side and not worrying about being abandoned if their circumstances change