Syria’s former pro-Assad Grand Mufti Ahmad Hassoun during a hearing for his verdict before the Damascus Criminal Court on Aug. 24, 2026. (Credit: SANA/AFP)
A Syrian court on Monday handed a life sentence to Ahmed Hassoun, the country's former grand mufti under ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, convicting him of crimes including inciting sectarian strife and exploiting his position.
Hassoun, the 10th Assad-era figure to be sentenced under the new authorities, was Syria's top Muslim cleric for 16 years, known for his close ties to the former president and frequent appearances alongside him on religious occasions.
A Syrian court on Monday handed a life sentence to Ahmed Hassoun, the country's former grand mufti under ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, convicting him of crimes including inciting sectarian strife and exploiting his position.
Hassoun, the 10th Assad-era figure to be sentenced under the new authorities, was Syria's top Muslim cleric for 16 years, known for his close ties to the former president and frequent appearances alongside him on religious occasions.
