Former Syrian grand mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun sentenced to life in prison

The 4th Criminal Court of Damascus has sentenced Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, the former grand mufti of Syria, to life in prison. Hassoun, who held the position from 2005 to 2021 and was a close associate of Bashar al-Assad, was found guilty of inciting violence, legitimizing crimes, and abuse of power during the 14-year Syrian civil war. The court also ordered the confiscation of all his assets.

This ruling marks the tenth conviction of a former regime official by the Syrian judicial system. It is notable as the first time a religious official has been prosecuted in the ongoing series of trials against members of the Assad administration. This development follows a high-profile case on August 11, where former President Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher, and five security officials were sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The conviction of Hassoun underscores the continuing legal efforts by Syrian authorities to address the conduct of officials during the country's long-standing conflict. The judicial process remains focused on systemic accountability for those involved in the previous administration.