A Syrian court has sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, marking the first conviction against the former leader since his government collapsed in December 2024. The Damascus court convicted Assad of crimes including premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary arrest and crimes against humanity committed during Syria’s long-running conflict. Unlike the Assad brothers, Najib was detained by Syrian authorities in early 2025 and appeared in court in person. Crowds gathered outside the Damascus court following the verdict, waving Syrian flags and celebrating. Assad, who became president in 2000 following the death of his father Hafez al-Assad, fled Damascus after rebel forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa launched a rapid offensive in late 2024.