Syrian court sentences three linked to coastal violence
Former member of gov't forces sentenced to 20 years, as two Assad supporters receive death sentence and life in prison.
A Syrian court has issued its first verdicts linked to mass killings in coastal areas last year, with two supporters of the deposed government receiving a death sentence and life in prison, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
The military criminal court in Aleppo on Thursday also sentenced a former member of government forces to 20 years in prison, while a fourth person was acquitted.
The sentences are the first in a judicial process launched last November, when 14 people were accused of involvement in the mass killings. The court has held several public hearings to examine evidence and consider arguments presented by the defendants. Further verdicts are expected next week.
The National Commission of Inquiry said last year that it had verified serious violations leading to the deaths of at least 1,426 mostly civilians and identified 298 suspects.