Syrian Court Sentences Assad to Death in Absentia — but Enforcement Hinges on Russia

A Damascus criminal court sentenced ousted president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia on August 11, 2026, convicting him of premeditated murder and torture resulting in death. Assad has lived in Moscow since fleeing Damascus in December 2024. With no extradition treaty between Syria and Russia, the sentence cannot be enforced unless Moscow voluntarily surrenders him.