Syrian court sentences three linked to coastal violence

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.