Summary
French nationals accused of being part of ISIL were transferred from Syria to Iraqi prisons, where their lawyers report they faced mistreatment. The lawyers claim these actions were meant to force confessions that extend Iraqi legal jurisdiction over their alleged crimes. They met 13 out of 47 French detainees, who said they were not in Iraq before their arrest in Syria.
Key Facts
- A group of French nationals accused of ISIL involvement were moved from Syria to Iraq by the US.
- Lawyers report the detainees experienced abuse in Iraqi prisons, including being slapped, strangled, and threatened.
- The abuse allegedly aimed to force confessions about being in Iraq, giving Iraq jurisdiction to try them.
- Lawyers visited 13 of 47 French detainees and reported these claims after their visit.
- The detainees stated they were arrested between 2017 and March 2019.
- The US military is transferring detainees due to security concerns about ISIL re-grouping.
- 275 prisoners have already been transferred from Syria to Iraq, with more expected.
- Iraqi officials describe the transfers as temporary and urge countries to repatriate their citizens.
