Assad-era’s grand mufti sentenced to life in prison by court in Damascus
The court also ordered confiscation of his assets and a financial penalty after finding he helped justify violence against opponents.
- On Monday, the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus sentenced Syria's former grand mufti Ahmad Badreddine Hassoun to life in prison, convicting him of "inciting civil war and sectarian strife" and exploiting his 16-year tenure.
- Hassoun, a close ally of ousted President Bashar Assad, was also convicted of "incitement to intentional homicide" and "principal complicity in intentional homicide." His frequent public appearances alongside Assad fueled the charges.
- This sentencing marks the 10th conviction of an Assad-era official since trials began in April. Unlike many others tried in absentia, Hassoun was in custody and present in the courtroom during proceedings.
- Human Rights Watch warned on Sunday that the sentences "raise important legal issues the government should urgently address." Director Balkees Jarrah emphasized building impartial, independent justice systems beyond convictions alone.
- While some human rights groups worry about rushed trials, many Syrians have welcomed the sentences amid frustration over slow accountability. The country recovers from a nearly 14-year civil war that killed about half a million people.
60 Articles
60 Articles
Former Syrian Grand Mufti Ahmad Hassoun Sentenced to Life in Prison
A Syrian court has sentenced former Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddine Hassoun to life in prison after finding him guilty of crimes including inciting civil and sectarian violence, justifying killings and abusing his official position during the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad. The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus issued the verdict on Monday, in the latest prosecution of senior figures associated with the Assad government. The court also or…
The Tribune-Democrat
Assad-era's grand mufti sentenced to life in prison by Syrian court
A former Islamic religious leader was sentenced to life in prison Monday in the latest Syrian court trial of officials affiliated with the rule of ex-President Bashar Assad.
Life Sentence Closes Chapter on Ahmad Hassoun: Former Assad Mufti Behind Bars
The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus on Monday sentenced former Grand Mufti Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassoun to life imprisonment, ordering the confiscation of all his movable and immovable assets. The ruling followed a six-session trial examining charges of inciting violence, justifying killing, and providing religious cover for the former regime’s policies. The government framed the verdict as a landmark moment in Syria’s transitional justice proces…
The former Grand Mufti of Syria from the Assad regime has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Ahmad Hassoun received the sentence for inciting sectarian violence and justifying murder. With this, another high-ranking official with ties to the Syrian dictator is convicted. Officially, the Grand Mufti in an Islamic country is the highest religious authority, the one who has the final say on religious matters and the enforcement of Sharia law. In…
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