Inside the Trial of Wasim Al-Assad #3: The Prosecution Demanded Death Sentence
TRIAL OF WASIM AL-ASSAD
The Fourth Criminal Court – Damascus, Syria
Trial Monitoring Summary #3
Hearing Date: July 22, 2026
CAUTION: Some testimony may include graphic descriptions of torture, rape or other violent acts.
Note that this summary is not a verbatim transcript of the trial; it is merely an unofficial summary of the proceedings.
Throughout this summary, [information located in brackets are notes from our trial monitor] and “information placed in quotes are statements made by the witness, Judges or counsel.” The names and identifying information of witnesses have been redacted.
[Note: SJAC provides a summary of the proceedings while redacting certain details to protect witness privacy and to preserve the integrity of the trial.]
SJAC’s 3rd trial monitoring report details day 3 of the trial of Wasim Al-Assad in Damascus, Syria. On this trial day, the Prosecutor requested that the Accused be convicted of the charges of premeditated murder, drug trafficking, and assault on national safety and civil peace.
The Prosecution requested the death penalty for the Accused, who responded that he did not deserve it, while the Defense Counsel pleaded for mercy and leniency.
Day 3 – July 22, 2026
[Note: There was media coverage by the Ministry of Justice and official outlets. Some international organizations attended the session].
The session began at 10:55AM with the entry of the Accused, Wasim Al-Assad, followed by the entry of the Judges at 11:00AM. This session is considered the third session for the Accused, Wasim Al-Assad.
The Accused, Wasim Al-Assad, appeared before the Court, accompanied by his ad hoc court-appointed representative, Defense Counsel C1 [redacted name], a registered attorney with the Bar Association - Damascus Branch.
The prosecution was previously present.
The in-person trial proceedings commenced publicly, and as though all parties were present.
The Court requested the Prosecution to submit its closing argument, which was as follows:
“The Prosecutor demands the revelation of truth and the application of the law. Through the evidence and testimonies, and the establishment of the following crimes:
- Premeditated murder
- Drug trafficking
- Assault on national safety and civil peace
which the honorable Court mentioned and built upon, the Public Prosecution demands the imposition of the maximum penalty upon the Accused, Wasim Al-Assad, namely the death penalty.”
Thereafter, the Court asked if the Prosecution had any new statements and requested that they be added to its previous statements. The Prosecutor reiterated the same statements it had mentioned in the previous session.
The Court requested the Defense Counsel to submit a defense brief. Defense Counsel C1 indicated that no defense witnesses were present for his client. Therefore, in his capacity as an ad hoc court-appointed representative, he reiterated the previous statements, denied the charges attributed to the Accused, and pleaded for leniency and mercy for the Accused.
The Court provided a final opportunity to the Accused, Wasim Al-Assad, to disclose any other statements he had in his defense. The Accused responded that he reiterates his previous statements and requests mercy and leniency from the Court, emphasizing that he does not deserve the death penalty.
The Court panel decided unanimously to adjourn the case for review and the judgment.
The proceedings were adjourned at 11:20AM.
The next trial day will be on July 29, 2026, at 11AM.
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