Iraq: Man gets six death sentences over mass killings in Baghdad

Dhi Qar (IraqiNews.com) – An Iraqi criminal court has sentenced a man to death six times over his involvement in mass killings and kidnappings in the capital Baghdad.

“Dhi Qar Criminal Court has handed down six death sentences for a man, who was found guilty of murdering seven people, kidnapping two and attempting to kill two others,” Spokesman for the Supreme Judicial Council Judge Abdul-Sattar al-Birqdar was quoted by Alghad Press as saying on Sunday.

According to al-Birqdar, “the convict, who is belonging to a terrorist group, committed these crimes in al-Husseiniya and Abu Ghraib districts in Baghdad.”

Iraqi courts have sentenced tens of Islamic State members, including a big number of female members, to death over joining the militant group.

The exact number of detained militants is still unknown, however, it’s estimated to be at thousands. It’s also unclear how many members are likely to face death sentences.

Moreover, the Iraqi government did not provide estimates about the number of the foreign detained militants or those who have Arab or Iraqi origins.

Human rights groups have always criticized collective death sentences issued by Iraqi courts, claiming that some detainees are tortured and threatened.

Iraq’s anti-terrorism law empowers courts to convict people who are believed to have helped jihadists even if they are not accused of carrying out attacks.