In the wake of an alleged chemical attack that killed dozens of people in Syria, France has decided to strip President Bashar al-Assad of his Legion of Honor.
A source in the French president's office told reporters that officials have started the process of revoking the prestigious award, which was given to Assad in 2001.
The Legion of Honor is France's highest award. It's presented to citizens who have "demonstrated outstanding merits in the service of the nation, in a military or a civilian capacity."
As ABC notes, it's up to the French president to determine if a recipient deserves to be stripped of the honor. So that means President Emmanuel Macron decided to take away Assad's award.
The move comes just days after France, Britain and the U.S. launched military strikes on targets in Syria in response to the reported chemical attack. Syria has denied any involvement in the alleged attack.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
