Iraqi court sentences Islamic State fighter to death over killing 16 civilians
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Nineveh (Iraqinews.com) – An Iraqi criminal court has sentenced an Islamic State fighter to death by hanging for killing 16 civilians and standing behind several bomb blasts in Mosul, a judicial spokesman was quoted as saying.
“The convict admitted to executing 16 civilians, who were taken captive by Islamic State at a Mosul general hospital, as well as planting 250 explosive charges in Bartella town, about 21 kilometers east of Mosul,” Judge Abdul-Sattar al-Birqdar, the spokesman for the Supreme Judicial Council, said in a statement.
“The convict also took part in the Islamic State firefight with security forces that lasted 25 days in Ain Al Safra area,” al-Birqdar added.
Iraqi courts have sentenced tens of Islamic State members to death over joining the militant group.
The exact number of detained militants is still unknown, however, it’s estimated to be at thousands. It’s also unclear how many members are likely to face death sentences.
Moreover, the Iraqi government did not provide estimates about number of the foreign detained militants or those who have Arab or Iraqi origins.
Iraq’s anti-terrorism law empowers courts to convict people who are believed to have helped jihadists even if they are not accused of carrying out attacks.
Experts estimate that Iraq is holding 20,000 people in jail over suspected IS membership. There is no official figure, according to AFP.