Gold Coast man, 20, faces death penalty in Syria over alleged murder of fellow Australian - and only a grieving widow could spare him

By ANDREW BROWN FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: 00:47, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 00:48, 30 July 2026 An Australian man is facing the death penalty in Syria after being charged over the alleged murder of a fellow national. Gold Coast man Patrick Stevenson, 20, has been detained for seven months in Syria over the shooting death of another Australian man Abdullah Glen Charles Burgess in December. The penalty for pre-meditated murder in Syria is punishable by death. However, Stevenson could be spared execution under Syria's legal system if Mr Burgess's widow grants forgiveness in the form of a blood-money payment. Stevenson travelled to Syria in 2025 after becoming radicalised while living on the Gold Coast, the ABC reported. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government was providing assistance to both families. 'Legal processes will take their course overseas, of course, and that is appropriate,' he told ABC TV on Thursday. 'I feel for the families of the person who's lost their life, and we've connected with them and [are] providing support for them. 'We're also providing support for the family of the person who's been charged.' Australia does not have a diplomatic presence in Syria, which has limited the ability for consular support. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been approached for comment. Gold Coast man Patrick Stevenson, 20, has been detained for seven months in Syria over the shooting death of another Australian man Abdullah Glen Charles Burgess in December Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government was providing assistance to both families Stevenson travelled to Syria in 2025 after becoming radicalised while living on the Gold Coast, the ABC reported Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.