Syrian court sentences Assad’s cousin to death for crimes against humanity

A Syrian court on Tuesday sentenced Wassim al-Assad, a cousin of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, to death for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the former government’s rule, according to the state-run SANA news agency.

Damascus’ Fourth Criminal Court also ordered the confiscation of Wassim al-Assad’s movable and immovable assets in favour of the state treasury, SANA reported.

Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan said evidence showed that an armed group affiliated with Wassim al-Assad had attacked a shop in the southern town of Jaramana, looted its contents and abducted its owner because of his opposition to the former government.

The judge said the group was also involved in the abduction and killing of Syrian citizens in several areas.

Al-Aryan said Wassim al-Assad was convicted for intentionally killing more than one person as well as torture, offences the court classified as crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Part of wider cases against former Assad officials

The verdict came amid a series of trials targeting senior figures linked to the former Syrian government.

Last week, the same court sentenced Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad and six former officials to death in absentia after convicting them of offences including premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention, crimes against humanity and war crimes, according to SANA.

• Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia

In that case, Judge Al-Aryan said witness testimony established Bashar al-Assad’s role as the “highest decision-maker” and found that he had used state institutions to facilitate crimes against Syrians.

Bashar al-Assad was not present in court. He fled Syria for Russia on 8 December 2024, after nearly 25 years in power, bringing an end to the Assad family’s rule and decades of Baath Party dominance.

Wassim al-Assad accused of armed group activities

Wassim al-Assad’s verdict was issued during the sixth hearing of his trial. He faced several charges, including forming and running irregular armed groups from early 2011 under orders from Brig. Gen. Ghiath Dalla, a commander in the Fourth Division led by Maher al-Assad.

According to SANA, the groups participated in military operations targeting civilian areas in Eastern Ghouta, particularly the town of Mleiha, resulting in civilian deaths.

Wassim al-Assad also faced charges of drug trafficking and premeditated murder.

He was arrested by Syrian security forces on 21 June 2025, near the Syrian-Lebanese border. His trial began three days later.

• Former Syrian officer convicted in Austria returns to Syria during appeal

Assad family rule ended in 2024

Bashar al-Assad took power in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had ruled Syria since 1971.

The Assad family remained in power throughout the Syrian conflict that began in 2011, when protests against the government developed into a prolonged civil war.

Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia in December 2024 after opposition forces captured Damascus. A transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January 2025.

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