Syria court sentences former mufti Hassun to life in prison on aggravating charges

DAMASCUS, Syria — A Damascus criminal court has sentenced Ahmed Badr al-Din Hassun, who served as Syria's grand mufti during the Assad era, to life in prison on charges of inciting civil war and sectarian conflict. The court ruled that the sentence is permanent and that Hassun is ineligible for general or special amnesty because of the gravity of the case. Presiding Judge Fahreddin al-Aryan said during the hearing that the official religious establishment under Hassun provided religious legitimacy to military and security operations carried out by the former regime. The judge also said the same institution justified the use of barrel bombs against civilian areas, describing it as a violation of international humanitarian law. The court said the investigation established that Hassun provided regular financial support to the command and elements of the Jerusalem Brigades. According to the ruling, the proceedings showed his involvement in crimes against humanity and war crimes. No further details on a possible appeal were immediately available.