Syria’s former grand mufti gets life sentence over violence charges

A Damascus court has sentenced former Syrian Grand Mufti Ahmed Badr al-Din Hassoun to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of inciting violence, justifying killings and abusing his position.

Hassoun, who served as Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 to 2021, was arrested at Damascus International Airport in March 2025, about a month after emerging from hiding. His trial began on June 25.

According to investigators, Hassoun used his position to maintain links with ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, intelligence officials, military commanders and leaders of sectarian militias.

Prosecutors accused him of urging security forces to suppress civilians in areas affected by the uprising, making hostile statements against civilians and refugees, and supporting military officers accused of war crimes.

The ruling represents one of the most significant legal proceedings against senior figures associated with Syria’s former regime.

Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year dictatorship in Syria came to an end on December 8, 2024, when opposition forces captured Damascus after a rapid offensive. Assad fled to Russia, where he was granted asylum, ending more than five decades of Assad family rule in Syria.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), emerged as Syria’s de facto leader following Assad’s overthrow.

On January 29, 2025, he was formally appointed transitional president, tasked with overseeing the country’s political transition and rebuilding state institutions.

By Vafa Guliyeva