Syrian court sentences ousted leader Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia

In a significant ruling, a court in Damascus, Syria, has issued a death sentence in absentia for former president Bashar al-Assad, finding him guilty of murder, torture, and crimes against humanity. The trial took place on Tuesday, resulting in a similar sentence for Atef Najib, a security official associated with Assad. Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan stated that Assad was guilty of "premeditated and intentional murder of multiple individuals, including children, torture, arbitrary detention, and crimes against humanity," actions stemming from the civil war that began in 2011. Assad, who left Damascus nearly two years ago as rebel forces advanced, is currently residing in Moscow. This verdict represents a symbolic move towards accountability for the former leader's actions during the conflict.