The Syrian judiciary sentenced former Grand Mufti Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassun to life imprisonment in person on Monday, August 24, 2026, after convicting him of inciting sectarian strife and abusing his official position during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, according to the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). Hassun served as the highest official religious figure in Syria for more than 16 years, becoming the tenth individual linked to the former government to face conviction since transitional authorities assumed power. The transitional authorities assumed power following the fall of the Assad administration in December 2024.
Trial Findings and Charges Against the Former Grand Mufti
Presiding Judge Fakhri al-Aryan stated that the court concluded the official religious establishment, spearheaded by the Dar al-Ifta, was utilized during Assad’s tenure to provide religious cover and justification for military and security operations against the civilian population. According to SANA, al-Aryan noted that the religious institution justified the use of barrel bombs in civilian areas, which the court categorized as a violation of international humanitarian law. The court also established that Hassun was involved in crimes against humanity and war crimes, including providing periodic financial support to the leadership and members of “Liwa al-Quds,” a militia that fought alongside former government forces. The ruling ordered the seizure and confiscation of Hassun’s movable and immovable assets for the public treasury.
Specific Allegations and Regional Inciteful Statements
The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus initiated proceedings against Hassun on June 25, 2026. The charges detailed by SANA encompassed exploiting his office for personal gain and maintaining close ties with Assad, former General Intelligence Directorate head Ali Mamluk, senior military officers, and leaders of armed groups. Hassun was accused of urging former army officers and soldiers to support the government against opponents and making public statements that constituted incitement against civilians and refugees in areas outside government control, notably in eastern Aleppo and Idlib. Furthermore, the indictment listed his endorsement of figures accused of war crimes, including Syrian officer Issam Zahreddine and former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, alongside his backing of the Russian and Iranian military interventions in Syria.
Broader Transitional Justice and Context of Previous Convictions
Hassun’s conviction marks the first time a religious figure has been sentenced within the ongoing trials of individuals tied to the former government. In comparison, the Syrian judiciary handed down an in absentia death sentence against Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and five former security officials on August 11, 2026. Other rulings have included in-person death sentences against former security official Atef Najib and Wassim al-Assad, a cousin of the former president. The transitional authorities began holding public trials in April for political and security figures involved in the conflict that erupted following the 2011 anti-government protests, which subsequently developed into an armed conflict resulting in over half a million deaths.
Background and Arrest of Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassun
He served as Grand Mufti from 2005 until the office was dissolved in late 2021, at which point his powers were transferred to the Scientific and Factual Council of the Ministry of Awqaf. Throughout the conflict, Hassun maintained a pro-government stance, earning the moniker "mufti of the barrels" due to his support for military tactics against opposition-held areas. On March 26, 2025, security forces detained Hassun at Damascus International Airport after the attorney general issued an arrest warrant, as he attempted to travel to Jordan for medical surgery. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported his arrest occurred moments after his passport was stamped, following protests outside his Aleppo home on February 17 and 18, during which demonstrators demanded his accountability.
Did you know? The office of the Grand Mufti of Syria was abolished by presidential decree in late 2021, more than three years before the fall of the Assad government, with its responsibilities shifted to the Ministry of Awqaf’s Scientific and Factual Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific charges led to Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassun’s life sentence?
According to SANA, Hassun was convicted of inciting sectarian strife, exploiting his official position for personal gain, providing religious cover and justification for military operations including barrel bomb usage, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, and financially supporting the Liwa al-Quds militia.
When was Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassun arrested?
Syrian security forces detained Hassun on March 26, 2025, at Damascus International Airport pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the attorney general.
How long did Hassun serve as Grand Mufti of Syria?
Hassun held the position of Grand Mufti from 2005 until the post was officially dissolved by the state in late 2021.
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