Syria sentences to death detained cousin of ousted president Assad

A Syrian court on Tuesday issued a death sentence to detainee Wassim al-Assad, a cousin of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad who was himself sentenced to death in absentia a week ago. Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan said Wassim al-Assad was convicted of multiple murders and "murder accompanied by torture and brutality... classified as crimes against humanity and war crimes", adding that "he is therefore sentenced to death". Syria in April began proceedings against Bashar al-Assad and other officials accused of atrocities during the country's civil war, which erupted with the brutal repression of pro-democracy protesters by the former authorities. More than half a million people were subsequently killed and millions displaced, while tens of thousands disappeared. WatchRebuilding Aleppo: Syria's war-torn economic capital enjoys gradual rebirth The court found that Wassim al-Assad had formed two armed groups loyal to the former authorities that took part in deadly attacks near capital Damascus. It also convicted him of inciting civil war and sectarian fighting, as well as deprivation of liberty and torture. He was found not guilty of drug smuggling and trafficking due to insufficient eviden...