Life sentence handed down to ousted Syrian Mufti Ahmad Hassoun - Sarmad

Damascus’ Fourth Criminal Court issued a life sentence on Monday against Ahmed Hassoun, the Grand Mufti of the ousted regime, after convicting him of crimes that sparked the civil war and sectarian fighting, involvement in crimes against humanity and war crimes, and providing regular financial support to militias during military operations.

The court ordered, during the sixth hearing for the defendant Ahmed Hassoun, the seizure and confiscation of his movable and immovable assets for the benefit of the public treasury, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

Judge Fakhreddin Al-Aryan stated during the sentencing hearing that evidence indicated the official religious establishment, headed by the Dar al-Ifta, was utilized under the former regime to provide religious cover for military and security operations and justify them to public opinion. It also justified the use of explosive barrels targeting civilian areas, causing widespread destruction, which constitutes a violation of the rules of international humanitarian law.