Damascus: A criminal court in Damascus on Tuesday sentenced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia after convicting him of premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention, and crimes against humanity, the SANA news agency reported. Judge Al-Aryan of the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus stated that witness testimony established Assad's role in these crimes as 'the highest decision-maker,' indicating that he had utilized state institutions to facilitate their execution.

According to Anadolu Agency, the court's conviction of Assad encompasses the premeditated murder of multiple victims, including children, along with acts of torture and arbitrary detention. These actions were characterized as crimes against humanity. The court's decision to sentence Assad to death in absentia underscores the gravity of the charges and the court's stance on accountability for actions committed under his regime.