A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia. The landmark ruling was announced after he was convicted of charges related to war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country’s conflict. The judge found Assad guilty of premeditated murder, crimes against children, torture, arbitrary detention, and crimes against humanity, resulting in the death sentence. The court declared these actions as "crimes against humanity" and decided to hand down the maximum legal penalty. Further Convictions in the landmark CaseSeveral other high-profile figures who are currently at large were also sentenced by the court.