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Munich Trial Opens for Iraqi Couple Accused of Enslaving Yazidi Girls

The defendants face charges of genocide, war crimes, and sexual slavery under Germany's universal jurisdiction law, with proceedings disrupted by claims of prison mistreatment.

Der mutmaßliche IS-Anhänger soll im Irak Kinder versklavt haben.
Image
Das Bild zeigt die Logos vom Islamischen Staat (IS) und vom Generalbundesanwalt.
Eine Frau trägt ein Kleinkind auf dem Arm und läuft zusammen mit anderen Kindern durch eine wüstenähnliche Landschaft, weitere Personen folgen in der Ferne

Overview

  • Twana H. S. and Asia R. A., an Iraqi couple, are charged with genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and sexual slavery for allegedly enslaving two Yazidi girls while members of the Islamic State (IS).
  • The trial, which began on May 19, 2025, marks a significant use of Germany’s Völkerstrafgesetzbuch to prosecute foreign war crimes and genocide.
  • Prosecutors allege the couple purchased a five-year-old Yazidi girl in 2015 and a twelve-year-old Yazidi girl in 2017, subjecting both to forced labor, sexual abuse, and mistreatment before transferring them to other IS fighters.
  • The male defendant disrupted the trial’s opening by claiming severe illness and mistreatment during his detention in Augsburg-Gablingen prison, including allegations of beatings and isolation, which are now under court investigation.
  • The fate of the younger victim remains unknown, while the older girl was reportedly freed by her family; the court has scheduled further hearings, including testimony from the co-defendant.