Kathmandu— The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus is set to deliver its verdict Monday in the trial of Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, who served as Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 to 2021. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Hassoun, accusing him of inciting violence and providing religious justification for actions committed by the former al-Assad government and its allies during the Syrian conflict; he was detained at Damascus airport in March 2025 after emerging from hiding following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The trial began on June 25, focusing on transitional justice cases and examining Hassoun’s ties to key figures within the former government.

Early Life and Rise to Prominence

Born in Aleppo in 1949, Hassoun followed in his father's footsteps as a prominent sheikh. He delivered local sermons and served as a member of parliament from 1990 to 1998, building a reputation for loyalty to the al-Assad government. In 2005, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appointed him Grand Mufti of Syria, a position generally seen as rewarding his compliance and perceived lack of threat.

Support for Assad During Uprising

When the Syrian uprising began in 2011, Hassoun became a staunch supporter of al-Assad, blaming foreign interference and labeling opposition groups as terrorists. This fervent backing earned him the moniker “barrel-bomb mufti” due to his violent rhetoric against regime opponents. His son was assassinated in 2011, and he delivered controversial statements that diminished his popularity. Al-Assad abolished the grand mufti position in 2021 without explanation.

Fall From Favor and Arrest

Hassoun’s influence waned before the fall of al-Assad's government in December 2024, reportedly due to a business partnership with Rami Makhlouf, a billionaire cousin stripped of his assets by the regime. He was also criticized for lacking the scholarly standing of other Sunni religious figures. Following the change in power, Hassoun went into hiding but was arrested at Damascus International Airport in March 2025 while attempting to travel to Amman, Jordan.

Charges and Trial Evidence

Hassoun faces charges including inciting violence and providing religious and political legitimacy for the former regime and its allies. Prosecutors presented evidence of his close ties to figures like Bashar al-Assad and Ali Mamlouk, a notorious former intelligence chief, as well as senior army officers and militia leaders. He is accused of delivering sermons supporting the regime, calling for violence against opposition areas, inciting hatred towards civilians and refugees, praising individuals involved in war crimes – including Brigadier General Issam Zahreddine – and endorsing foreign intervention.

Recent Transitional Justice Cases

The trial of Hassoun follows recent sentencing decisions in transitional justice cases. Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher, and cousins Wassim al-Assad and Atef Najib were all sentenced to death, though they fled to Russia after Damascus fell in December 2024 and were tried *in absentia*. The question now remains whether Hassoun will receive a similar punishment if found guilty.

The verdict in Ahmad Hassoun’s trial is expected Monday and will signal the direction of transitional justice efforts in Syria following the recent change in government.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.