Pakistan, Aug. 11 -- A Syrian court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death on Tuesday over killings, torture, and crimes against humanity.

The verdict marked Assad's first conviction since rebels removed him from power in December 2024. Assad fled Damascus as rebel forces approached and is currently in Moscow.

Read more: Assad sentenced to death over Syria war crimes

According to the court, Assad was convicted of premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary arrests, and crimes against humanity. The trial was conducted in his absence.

The court also sentenced Atef Najib, a former security official under Assad, to death. The proceedings involved former government officials accused of abuses during Syria's nearly 14-year war.

As...