A Syrian court has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for multiple crimes, including crimes against humanity. Assad was ousted from power in December 2024 and is currently in exile in Moscow. This marks the first public sentencing of the leader who ruled Syria for over two decades with an iron fist. The verdict comes as a symbolic act of justice following years of conflict and alleged human rights abuses under his regime. While the sentence is largely symbolic due to Assad’s location and protection in Russia, it represents a significant moment for victims and opponents of his rule. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of the accusations leveled against the former president during and after the Syrian civil war. It is unlikely, however, that Russia will extradite Assad to face the consequences of the conviction.