Assad’s death sentence puts Syria-Russia extradition treaty to the test - analysis

After a Damascus court sentenced him to death in absentia, an extradition treaty signed by Bashar Assad with Russia provides a legal avenue for seeking his return—but the death sentence itself could

Ahmed Hassoun was convicted of crimes including inciting civil war and complicity in intentional killing.

Syria: Former grand mufti and Assad ally receives life sentence in Syria MEE staff on Mon, 08/24/2026 - 15:24 Top religious cleric among high-profile figures from ousted government to face trial This handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on 24 August shows

Muslim cleric Ahmad Hassoun was convicted of crimes including inciting sectarian violence and justifying murder. He is the latest Syrian official aligned with ousted President Bashar Assad to face trial.

Syria began legal proceedings in April against Bashar al-Assad and other officials accused of atrocities during the civil war that followed the 2011 uprising.

A Syrian court on Monday handed a life sentence to Ahmad Hassoun, the country’s former grand mufti under ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, convicting him of crimes including inciting sectarian strife and exploiting his position.Hassoun, the 10th Assad-era figure to be sentenced under the new authorities, was Syria’s top M

The religious figure faced various charges including inciting violence and providing legitimacy for the al-Assad regime.