Syria puts Assad and brother on trial—but they are not in the country

Syria’s new administration has begun a trial of former dictator Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher, both accused of ordering the torture of tens of thousands and the deaths of hundreds of thousands during their rule. The trial is taking place in a Damascus court. However, neither man is in Syria. Both are being tried in absentia, meaning they are not present to defend themselves. This case marks the first major legal effort to hold former regime officials accountable. But critics question whether these steps are enough to deliver real justice for victims and their families.