03/14/2019 Iraq (International Christian Concern) – As Islamic State (ISIS) fighters make their last stand in Baghuz, Syria, international governments are wrestling with how to proceed in handling cases of captured foreign fighters. Iraq has recently accepted the repatriation of 250 Iraqi ISIS fighters from Syria. They are expected to be tried in Iraq for their human rights abuses.
Iraq has received much criticism in how they have proceeded to handle these cases. Since other countries have refused to bring home their foreign fighters, Iraq has begun to receive and try these individuals according to Iraqi laws. Human rights observers worry that the number of ISIS fighters on trial in Iraq far exceeds the country’s capacity to pursue these cases according to due process, thus compromising judicial integrity.
Meanwhile, local religious minorities worry that Iraq is laying the foundation for ISIS to again rise up. Many fear that the militants will escape from prison. There is also concern about those militants who have not been captured, and instead have melted back into society.
For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
