Putin in shock? Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death? Syria delivers big verdict on fallen dictator

A Syrian court in Damascus has sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, according to Syria State TV. The court convicted Assad of crimes including intentional killings, torture, deprivation of liberty, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Former intelligence official Atef Najib was also sentenced to death, while several other fugitive defendants received death sentences over alleged killings, torture and kidnapping. The ruling marks a major development in Syria’s efforts to pursue former regime figures over alleged abuses during the country’s long conflict. Watch the full court ruling and latest developments from Damascus.