A Syrian court sentenced ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes during the country's 14-year war that left about half a million people dead and millions displaced or seeking refuge abroad. He was convicted of crimes including murder, "the intentional killing of children under 15" and "torture leading to death". "It is a decision that seeks to satisfy millions of Syrians who seek accountability and justice after war crimes committed by the regime, seeking closure," Rose said. FILE: People drive their cars past destroyed buildings in the city of Aleppo, 16 August 2018 AP PhotoMeanwhile, the most extensive documentation of regime crimes came from the so-called "Caesar photographs". Lebanon's Hezbollah deployed up to 8,000 fighters inside Syria at the height of its involvement, becoming a highly effective ground force crucial to the al-Assad regime.