In a landmark verdict, Syria's Criminal Court in Damascus sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad and Atef Najib, the ex-head of political security in Deraa province, to death on Tuesday. The court found Assad guilty of premeditated murder and crimes against humanity for atrocities committed by his government in Deraa province in 2011. Najib was convicted of premeditated murder and torture. This trial marks a significant step towards accountability for war crimes during Syria's prolonged civil conflict, with more developments anticipated in the future.