Ahmad Hassoun was one of Syria's top religious figures during Bashar al-Assad's rule. He is said to have played an important role in justifying the regime's policies and military actions from a religious perspective.
The former mufti is accused of having made harsh statements against the opposition and armed groups during Syria's civil war and of issuing fatwas justifying violence against them. He also called soldiers killed in the government army's ranks “martyrs” and interpreted military service as a religious duty.
A Syrian court is considering charges against Hassoun including incitement to violence, justification of killings, involvement in crimes against civilians, and a number of other accusations. The investigation and trial are being conducted within the framework of transitional justice for serious violations committed in Syria between 2011–2024.
Hassoun was arrested at Damascus International Airport in March 2025 while trying to leave the country. An arrest warrant had been issued against him.
In court, evidence and witness testimonies regarding the charges against the former grand mufti are being examined.
