Damascus Court Sentences Wassim al-Assad to Death for War Crimes

Wassim al-Assad, a cousin of toppled Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has been pictured after being detained at an unknown location according to the Syrian Interior Ministry Telegram Page via AFP.

Wassim al-Assad was sentenced to death following his conviction for serious crimes committed during the nation's nearly 14-year war. On Tuesday, the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus delivered the verdict, finding Wassim al-Assad guilty of offenses that include premeditated murder and torture.

This legal decision represents the most recent action taken against former members of the Assad regime who face allegations of war crimes throughout Syria's long conflict. Previously, just last week, the same Damascus court handed down death sentences to Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and his cousin Atef Najib for charges involving murder, torture, and crimes against humanity. Further updates will follow.