Ahmad Hassoun, Assad’s ‘barrel bomb mufti’, faces Damascus court verdict
Summary
Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, Syria’s former grand mufti during President Bashar al-Assad’s rule, faces a criminal court verdict in Damascus. Prosecutors have asked for the death penalty in a trial related to his support for the regime and alleged involvement in prison executions.Key Facts
- Hassoun was Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 to 2021, appointed by President Assad.
- He supported Assad during the 2011 uprising and blamed foreign countries for Syria’s problems.
- He used harsh language against the government’s opponents and had close ties with state officials.
- Hassoun was detained in March 2025 at Damascus airport after hiding since the regime fell in December 2024.
- He reportedly approved executions of about 13,000 prisoners in Sednaya prison between 2012 and 2017.
- His controversial statements included threats to European countries and praise for Iranian and Russian military support.
- The Syrian government abolished the grand mufti position in 2021 after Hassoun lost favor.
- Hassoun is now on trial in the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus, which handles cases related to Syria’s transition after Assad’s fall.
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