Iraq sentences two more French citizens to death
June 3, 2019
A court in Iraq on Monday sentenced two more French nationals to death for membership of Islamic State.
The total number of death penalties handed out to French citizens has totaled 11 in the last week alone.
Read more: Iraq sentences 3 French citizens to death
In excess of 40 French lawyers, however, have condemned the rulings. In a joint statement the attorneys said France had been "trapped" by its refusal to repatriate the jihadist fighters.
They added that the sentences, if carried out, would "leave an indelible stain on the mandate of [French President] Emmanuel Macron."
Macron claimed at the time the fighters were handed over, that it was a "bilateral matter between Iraq and Syrian Democratic Forces."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian conceded the men had received fair trials but said Paris is asking Iraq not to carry out the death sentences.
jsi/rt (dpa, Reuters)