Kathmandu— Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, who served as Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 to 2021, has been sentenced to life in prison by a Damascus court for crimes committed during the country's nearly 14-year conflict. The Fourth Criminal Court found Hassoun guilty of inciting violence, justifying killings, and abusing his religious office. He was arrested at Damascus airport in March 2025 after ending a period in hiding, and his trial commenced on June 25th.

Charges And Conviction

Hassoun faced multiple charges related to the Syrian civil war, including inciting violence and providing religious justification for actions taken by the al-Assad regime. The court found him guilty of these offenses, leading to the life sentence handed down on Monday. His conviction marks a significant development in accountability efforts regarding the long-running conflict.

Arrest And Trial

The former grand mufti was apprehended at Damascus airport in March 2025, following a month after emerging from hiding. The trial began on June 25th, with proceedings held before the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus. Details of the evidence presented during the trial have not yet been released.

Role During Conflict

Hassoun served as Syria’s grand mufti for sixteen years, a period that largely overlapped with the escalating and prolonged Syrian civil war. The charges against him suggest an active role in supporting the government's actions during the conflict, using his religious authority to legitimize violence.

Further details regarding the specifics of the sentencing and potential appeals are expected to be released as they become available.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.