Iraqi Couple Convicted of Genocide and IS Membership in Munich

An Iraqi couple has been sentenced by the Munich Higher Regional Court for their involvement in genocide and membership in the Islamic State (IS) terror group. The court handed down a life sentence to the husband and a nine-and-a-half-year juvenile sentence to the wife.

The convictions stem from the enslavement, exploitation, and sexual abuse of two Yazidi girls in Iraq. Prosecutors presented evidence that the couple, as part of the IS terrorist organization, purchased and exploited the girls as slaves. The husband, who reportedly worked as a hairdresser in Munich before becoming radicalized at a local mosque, was found to have sexually abused the children.

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The monstrous violence is so far removed from humanity that it seems unreal.

During the trial, the prosecutor described the violence as "monstrous" and so far removed from humanity that it seemed unreal. The prosecution argued that all actions served IS's goal of destroying the Yazidi faith. The wife, now 30, apologized in court, stating, "I am sorry." Her husband chose not to speak during the proceedings.

The court found the couple guilty of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes committed against the vulnerable Yazidi population by members of the extremist group.

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It is my fault.