All articles tagged with #assad
A Damascus court sentenced Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity, while Assad’s cousin Atef Najib was also condemned to death for overseeing the Daraa crackdown; the proceedings were broadcast on state TV, and the defendants remain in Russia after Assad’s ouster, with Syria’s new rulers pressing Moscow to extradite them.
A Syrian court in Damascus sentenced ousted president Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes during Syria’s 14-year conflict; Assad’s maternal cousin Atef Najib was also given the death penalty in the same case, with the verdict broadcast on state TV as the Assads reside in Russia and Damascus seeks their extradition.
A Damascus criminal court sentenced Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher, and Atef Najib to death in absentia for crimes during Syria’s nearly 14-year war, including murder, torture and crimes against humanity; Najib was convicted for crimes including the killing of children under 15. The ruling, the first of its kind under the transitional authorities, is seen as delivering accountability for Syrians and establishing a legal precedent for others accused of Assad-era crimes.
Syria's newly elected parliament held its first session after the ouster of ex-President Bashar al-Assad, signaling a new chapter in the country’s political landscape.
Syria’s first public trial of Assad-era security officials began in Damascus at the Palace of Justice, with Atef Najib, the former head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa, appearing as a defendant in a case activists say marks a notable step toward accountability for abuses during the uprising.
An Atlantic profile portrays Bashar al-Assad as obsessed with sex and Candy Crush as Syria collapsed, including an alleged affair with journalist Luna al‑Shibl (who died in 2024 in a suspicious car crash), and noting Assad's eventual flight to Russia, highlighting the surreal mix of brutal rule and pop‑culture quirks.
Former Syrian regime leaders, including top spymasters and generals, who fled after Assad's regime collapsed, are secretly plotting to undermine the new government and potentially retake control, with some supporting armed insurgencies and lobbying efforts in Washington. Their true threat level remains uncertain amid internal disagreements and ongoing instability in Syria.
A new report details the chaotic and dramatic escape of Syrian regime officials, including Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher, following the fall of Assad's government in December 2024 due to a swift offensive by HTS, with many officials fleeing via speedboats, convoys, and hiding at Russian embassies, highlighting the extreme chaos and secrecy surrounding their escape.
Syria is holding its first parliamentary elections since Bashar Assad's ouster, with most seats elected by electoral colleges and some appointed, amid concerns over the lack of a popular vote, transparency, and representation of minorities and women. The elections are seen as a test of the interim authorities's inclusivity and legitimacy, but face criticism for their undemocratic process and exclusion of certain regions.
Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, Russia is pulling back some military forces and equipment from Syria but is maintaining its presence at the Hmeimim airbase and Tartous naval facility. Despite the withdrawal of some forces, Russia is not abandoning its strategic bases, which are crucial for its military operations in the region. Discussions with Syria's new rulers about the future of these bases are ongoing, while Russia continues to support Assad, who has been granted asylum in Moscow.
Reports have emerged detailing horrific atrocities committed in Syrian prisons under President Bashar al-Assad's regime, shedding light on widespread human rights abuses. These revelations have sparked international condemnation and calls for accountability, as survivors and human rights organizations demand justice for the victims of torture and inhumane treatment.
Israeli forces launched extensive airstrikes on Syria, targeting the remnants of the Assad regime's military infrastructure. The strikes, part of Operation Bashan Arrow, aimed to prevent Syrian military assets from falling into the hands of extremists following Assad's ousting by rebel forces. Israeli warplanes and naval ships destroyed Syrian aircraft, naval vessels, and weapon depots, with the goal of enhancing Israel's security and creating a 'sterile defense zone.' The operation reflects Israel's strategic response to the power vacuum in Syria and its ongoing regional security concerns.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed that Turkey played a crucial role in ensuring the non-intervention of Russia and Iran during the recent offensive that led to the fall of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria. Through diplomatic talks, Turkey helped prevent a potentially bloody conflict by convincing Assad's allies not to support him. Fidan emphasized the importance of preventing chaos and ensuring the protection of minority groups under the new leadership in Damascus, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, despite concerns over his past affiliations.
The Assad regime in Syria has fallen, with President Bashar Assad fleeing to Russia after rebel forces captured Damascus. A significant factor in Assad's downfall was the Captagon drug trade, which generated billions for Syria and the regime. The synthetic stimulant, popular in the Middle East, led neighboring countries to abandon Assad due to the flood of pills. The Captagon trade, described as a 'zombie economy,' was a major revenue source for Assad amid international sanctions. The regime's use of the drug trade as leverage in diplomatic negotiations backfired, contributing to its collapse.
Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government, Syrian rebels and civilians have stormed the Assad family's residences in Damascus, uncovering opulent living conditions amidst the country's turmoil. The palaces, now in disarray, reveal luxury items, family photos, and remnants of the Assad regime's history. Rebels have taken control of these properties, with some turning them into tourist attractions, highlighting the stark contrast between the Assad family's wealth and the poverty experienced by many Syrians.