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Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia by Syrian court
A court in Damascus has sentenced former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for crimes committed during nearly 14 years of conflict. The ruling also includes death sentences for his brother, Maher al-Assad, and several other high-ranking former officials. Atef Najib, a former security chief and cousin to al-Assad, was present at the trial and also received a death sentence.
The Syrian Ministry of Justice has defended the verdicts against criticism from Amnesty International. While Amnesty called for the abolition of the death penalty and trials in absentia, urging instead for victim-centered proceedings in ordinary civilian courts, the Ministry stated that the trials were conducted by qualified judges in specialized civilian criminal courts. The Ministry maintained that the proceedings adhered to constitutional safeguards, international humanitarian law, and provided rights for defense and appeal.
Entities
Amnesty International · Atef Najib · Bashar al-Assad · Maher al-Assad · Syrian Ministry of Justice
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The death sentences also applied to Maher al-Assad and six other former high-ranking officials. www.aljazeera.com
- [DISPUTED] A Damascus court sentenced former leader Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia. www.aljazeera.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Syrian Ministry of Justice stated that Amnesty International's criticisms do not accurately reflect the judicial procedures or legal safeguards used. sana.sy · www.aajeg.com · www.newarab.com
- [DISPUTED] Atef Najib, a former security chief and cousin to al-Assad, was present at the trial and received a death sentence. www.aljazeera.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Amnesty International called for the abolition of the death penalty and trials in absentia, suggesting proceedings occur in ordinary civilian courts. sana.sy · www.aajeg.com · www.newarab.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Justice asserted that trials were conducted by qualified judges in specialized civilian criminal courts with victim participation. sana.sy · www.aajeg.com · www.newarab.com