Syrian Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Bashar al-Assad

A Syrian court has officially issued an arrest warrant for former President Bashar al-Assad, accusing him of mass killings, torture, and unlawful detentions. According to Syria’s new authorities, Assad fled Damascus in December 2024 and was granted political asylum in Moscow, while opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed the presidency.

Damascus urgently informed the Kremlin of its extradition request for Assad, threatening a complete break in diplomatic and economic ties if Moscow refuses. The new Syrian leadership is backed by direct US pressure, with Washington pushing for Assad’s extradition to face an international trial.

In Washington, discussions are underway about possible sanctions against Russia should it continue to harbor Assad. European leaders have also endorsed the arrest request, affirming their readiness for an international judicial process. Meanwhile, Syrian officials are preparing an Interpol appeal, calling on global partners to prevent the creation of new “zones of impunity.”