Iraqi court sentences seventh French IS terrorist to death
A Shi’ite volunteer wearing a mask, who has joined the Iraqi army to fight against the predominantly Sunni militants from the radical Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), looks on during a parade on a street in Kanaan, Diyala province, June 26, 2014.
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – An Iraqi court on Wednesday sentenced another French national to death by hanging for joining the so-called Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.
A judicial source told KUNA that the death penalty was issued after the man convicted of belonging to IS and involvement in terrorist activities.
The ruling was issued pursuant to Article 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Law.
After today’s verdict, the number of French nationals sentenced to death in Iraq rose to seven out of 14 handed to Iraqi authorities in February from the Syrian Democratic Forces.
France said on Monday it will take “the necessary steps” to try to prevent Iraq carrying out the death penalty against the French citizens.
“France is opposed in principle to the death penalty at all times and in all places,” the French foreign ministry said.
The ministry said the detained men were receiving consular assistance to ensure they had legal representation ahead of an expected appeal, which they have 30 days to lodge.
It added, however, that France “respects the sovereignty of Iraq’s institutions”.