Outside Damascus's Justice Palace, a crowd gathered with a single word on their lips: justice. The court's decision to sentence ousted President Bashar al-Assad and former security official Atef Najib to death in absentia has ignited a mix of relief and cautious hope among Syrians who see it as a turning point. Main Developments The landmark ruling was delivered in absentia against both Assad and Najib, marking the first time the deposed leader has faced formal judicial accountability for his actions. Syrians at the scene described the verdict as a foundational moment in their country's long journey toward transitional justice. Read also: 14 dead in South Africa mine dump collapse near Rustenburg Reactions from those assembled reflected a deep emotional release, with many framing the ruling as validation of their suffering. The court's action targets the highest echelons of the former regime, a symbolic break from years of impunity. Background Assad was overthrown after a prolonged conflict that devastated Syria, with his government accused of widespread atrocities. Najib, a figure tied to the regime's security apparatus, faced charges alongside his former superior. This trial represents one of the first major legal proceedings against the deposed leadership since the regime's fall. Why It Matters For many Syrians, the sentence is more than a legal formality; it is an acknowledgment of their ordeal and a potential precedent for future prosecutions. The ruling could pave the way for broader accountability efforts, though its symbolic weight may outweigh immediate practical effects given the defendants' absence. What's Next Attention now turns to whether the death sentences will be enforced or remain symbolic gestures. The case raises pressing questions about how Syria will handle further prosecutions of former officials, and whether international bodies will support or build on this domestic legal action.