Former Syrian President Assad sentenced to death in absentia

A SYRIAN court sentenced ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and his younger brother to death in absentia today for crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed during Syria’s 14-year conflict, which left about half a million people dead. The sentences issued by the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus are the first against Mr Assad or members of his inner circle since the Assad family’s five decades in power ended 20 months ago.