Iraq sentences 3 French men to death for joining IS

Sunday, 26 May 2019 15:57

A court in Iraq on Sunday handed death sentences to three French men after finding them guilty of joining the IS terror group.

Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou were captured in Syria by US-backed forces and transferred to Iraqi custody in February.

They are the first French IS members to receive death sentences in Iraq.

According to reports, the ruling can be appealed within 30 days.

Iraq has taken into custody thousands of suspected IS members repatriated in recent months from Syria.

More from International

US considering 'winding down' military efforts in Iran, says Trump

President Donald Trump said on Friday the US was getting very close to meeting its objectives as it considers winding down its military efforts in the Iran war and called on countries that use the Strait of Hormuz to guard and police it "as necessary".
Iran ready to let Japanese vessels transit Hormuz, Kyodo reports

Iran is ready to let Japanese-related vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, Kyodo news has reported, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Putin tells Tehran: Russia stands by Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Iranian leaders on Nowruz and said Moscow remained a loyal friend and reliable partner to Tehran, the Kremlin said on Saturday.
Israeli military says it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut

The Israeli military said early on Saturday it was striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut, after issuing an evacuation warning for seven neighbourhoods in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital.
US sending marines and amphibious assault ship to Middle East

The US military is deploying thousands of Marines to the Middle East, officials told Reuters on Friday, as President Donald Trump accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to send forces to help open the Strait of Hormuz.