A Syrian court has sentenced ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. The sentencing follows Assad’s flight to Moscow in December 2024 after Damascus fell to a coalition led by Islamist forces. The court’s decision is largely symbolic, given Assad’s secure location in Russia and lack of Syrian government control. However, it represents a formal condemnation of his actions during the devastating conflict. The civil war has resulted in widespread death, displacement, and destruction across Syria. This ruling aims to hold Assad accountable for the atrocities committed under his rule, despite the practical challenges of enforcement. The Islamist-led coalition currently controls Damascus following the regime’s collapse.