Former Syrian grand mufti Ahmad Hassoun receives life term for war-time offenses
The Damascus Fourth Criminal Court sentenced former grand mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun to life imprisonment for crimes linked to Syria’s nearly 14-year conflict.
Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, who led Syria’s highest Islamic council from 2005 to 2021, was found guilty of inciting violence, justifying killings and abusing his religious authority. The Fourth Criminal Court handed down a life sentence after his arrest at Damascus airport in March 2025. His trial, which began on June 25, concluded with the court’s ruling on Monday.
Why it matters
The ruling holds a senior religious leader accountable for actions that fueled Syria’s prolonged conflict.
In this story
life sentencegrand muftiSyria war crimesincitementcourt rulingreligious officialBashar al-Assadtrial
