Assad-era’s grand mufti sentenced to life in prison by court in Damascus
Summary
A former Syrian religious leader, Ahmad Badreddine Hassoun, was sentenced to life in prison by a court in Damascus for inciting violence and supporting murder during the rule of ex-President Bashar Assad. The court found that the Assad-era religious leadership justified attacks with barrel bombs that harmed civilians, violating international law.Key Facts
- Ahmad Badreddine Hassoun was Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 until the position was ended in 2021.
- He was loyal to former President Bashar Assad and publicly supported the government’s actions.
- Hassoun was convicted of encouraging violence and justifying killings.
- The judge said officials under Assad approved the use of barrel bombs on civilian areas, which breaks international humanitarian rules.
- Several former Assad officials, including Assad and his brother Maher, have recently been sentenced to death, mostly in absentia (not present).
- Hassoun was in custody and appeared in court for his trial.
- Human rights groups worry the trials may be too fast and unfair, but many Syrians support the sentences.
- Syria’s civil war began in 2011 after protests were met with severe government violence, lasting nearly 14 years and causing massive deaths and displacement.
- The war ended in December 2024 when Islamist-led forces ousted Assad in a quick military offensive.
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