A Syrian court has sentenced ousted Syrian president Bashar Assad along with his younger brother to death in absentia 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 on Tuesday. Bashar Assad and his brother Maher fled to Russia after insurgents marched into Damascus in 2024. The case became a catalyst for mass protests against the repressive policies of Assad’s security forces.