A Syrian court has handed a life sentence to religious figure Ahmad Hassoun following a trial in which he faced multiple charges, officials said. Hassoun, who has been widely referred to in media as the "Barrel bomb mufti," was convicted on counts that included inciting violence and providing religious justification for the actions of the al-Assad regime.
The verdict marks a high-profile outcome in proceedings that focused on Hassoun's public statements and alleged support for the Syrian government during the country's protracted conflict. Prosecutors argued that his words and actions helped to legitimize the regime's use of force, charges that his defenders vehemently denied during the trial.
Hassoun's sentencing is likely to resonate beyond the courtroom given his prominence as a religious figure. Critics have long accused clerics who backed the government of enabling violence against opponents, while supporters have maintained that such figures were offering pastoral or political guidance amid a complex and violent conflict.
Observers said the case could have broader implications for how religious authority and political power interact in Syria going forward. The sentence may also influence public discourse and the role of religious leaders in legitimizing state actions, particularly in a country still grappling with the legacy of years of war and polarization.