Years after IS defeat, French jihadists face justice in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Nov 2 — A decade ago, the Islamic State group broadcast its crimes as it recruited radicals from around t...
In the aftermath of the Islamic State group's downfall in Iraq and Syria, a new chapter of justice is unfolding in Baghdad. Accused French nationals, once radicalized by the extremist organization, now face the legal consequences of their actions. A trial began in September for 47 French citizens, convicted of belonging to the group that once controlled vast territories in both nations between 2014 and 2017.
The Karkh Criminal Court in Baghdad delivered its first verdicts last week, sentencing nine men to up to 20 years in prison. A 24-year-old defendant, taken to Syria by his mother over a decade ago, received a 15-year sentence.
The journey to this point reflects the complex history of the Islamic State's rise and eventual defeat. The group's brutal reign, marked by the imposition of a harsh interpretation of Sharia law, resulted in the sexual enslavement of women and girls, as well as public executions. Thousands of Europeans, lured by the group's promise of a new caliphate, joined the cause, many from disadvantaged backgrounds in French cities.
These individuals, often descendants of immigrants or converts to Islam, were drawn into the group's extremist ideology, which manipulated their beliefs into support for violent actions.
Among the defendants is Kamel Ben Mbarek, 42, who served as a driver for the Islamic police in Raqqa, Syria. He now regrets being deceived by the organization. Adel Bouaoun, 28, expressed remorse for his role in IS operations in Aleppo and Palmyra, detailing harsh conditions and torture he endured in Kurdish-run prisons. Adrien Guihal, who admitted to ordering the 2016 Nice truck attack that killed 86 people, emphasized his regret over the organization's lawless actions.
Rights groups have criticized the hasty judicial process, alleging coerced confessions and inadequate legal representation. The French lawyers defending the French nationals have called for their clients to be tried in France, citing allegations of inhumane treatment by Iraqi authorities. Despite these challenges, the trials continue, attended by French lawyers, observers, and media representatives.
The verdicts, some of which are expected in November, highlight the ongoing struggle to bring justice to those who fell victim to the Islamic State's tyranny.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
