World · 11 August 2026
Syria's former leader Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia
A Syrian court convicted Bashar al-Assad for his role in homicides, abuse, and unlawful detentions committed over the nation's almost 14-year conflict. It's the first conviction against Assad, who fled Damascus as rebel fighters approached almost two years ago. Assad, who was ousted in December 2024, is currently in Moscow, with security official Atef Najib also getting a death sentence.
Reported by The Straits Times · How we write briefs