Kathmandu— Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Atef Najib, who previously headed political security in the Deraa province, received death sentences on Tuesday following convictions stemming from actions taken during the Syrian Civil War. The Criminal Court in Damascus found Assad guilty of premeditated murder and Najib guilty of both premeditated murder and torture, determining that the crimes committed by Assad’s government in Deraa province in 2011 constituted crimes against humanity.

Trial Findings

The court specifically determined that actions taken by Assad's government in the Deraa province during 2011 reached the level of crimes against humanity. Both Assad and Najib were found guilty on charges related to these events, marking a significant development in accountability efforts concerning the long-running conflict.

Further details regarding this landmark trial are expected to be released as they become available.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.