Syria court sentences Assad-era grand mufti to life in prison
Summary
A Syrian court sentenced Ahmed Hassoun, the country’s former grand mufti from 2005 to 2021, to life in prison for crimes related to the civil war, including inciting violence and supporting regime military actions. The court found that Hassoun and the religious establishment he led helped justify government attacks during the war, including the use of barrel bombs on rebel areas.Key Facts
- Ahmed Hassoun was Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 to 2021 under President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
- The Damascus court convicted Hassoun of inciting civil war and supporting violent government actions.
- The court said Hassoun’s office provided religious approval for military operations, including bombings.
- Hassoun was sentenced to life in prison plus additional years for related crimes such as incitement to killing.
- This is part of wider trials where Assad and other officials were sentenced for war crimes by Syria’s transitional authorities.
- The court highlighted Hassoun’s role in supporting a pro-regime militia called Liwa al-Quds.
- Hassoun denied the charges, saying his statements were taken out of context and he tried to help detainees.
- The trials have caused some public feeling of justice but human rights groups want more transparency on how cases are handled.
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