Iraq Begins Trial of Six French Nationals Accused of ISIS Membership

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, an Iraqi court on Sunday began the trial of six French nationals suspected of membership in the Islamic State (ISIS). An official from Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council stated that the defendants could face the death penalty if convicted of crimes committed against Iraq and its people.

Legal sources at the court indicated that these individuals were among 47 French ISIS members transferred from prisons in northeastern Syria to Iraq last year. This transfer was part of a larger process overseen by American forces and Iraqi officials.

The presiding judge adjourned the hearing until October 5 to allow defense attorneys time to review the case files.

Abbas Al-Maliki, a court-appointed lawyer for one of the accused, told Reuters that his client is being tried on charges of ISIS membership.

The United States announced in January the initiation of transferring ISIS prisoners from Syria to Iraq. This move followed concerns about the security of detention facilities in northeastern Syria.

In February, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that Baghdad was negotiating with other countries regarding the repatriation of their citizens. He also mentioned that Iraq was seeking international financial support to manage the influx of these prisoners.