DFor years, two French women and twelve men, prosecuted in France for terrorist conspiracy, have been imprisoned in Iraq. All were sentenced between 2017 and 2019 to the death penalty (commuted to life imprisonment) or twenty years’ imprisonment, at the end of unjust show trials, in contempt of the most basic rights of the defense.
The children of the two French women were imprisoned with their mothers, before being repatriated to France without them. Since then they have never heard their mothers’ voices, nor have they received any news from them. The conditions of detention of these fourteen French citizens amount to inhuman and degrading treatment.
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The men survive in cells of less than 100 square meters where more than 130 prisoners are crammed, they lack water, food and do not benefit from any care or treatment. Women have no right to anything: no pen, no paper, no books, no television. They too are crammed into dilapidated cells, without access to the most basic care, and are regularly humiliated and mistreated.
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Since their departure and arrival in Syria or Iraq, for at least ten years, French anti-terrorism investigating judges have been investigating their cases. All of them have had international arrest warrants issued against them, in the context of pending criminal justice information due to their absence and incarceration in Iraq. The trials must take place in France.
These men and women were born, raised and radicalized in France, before joining a terrorist organization which in turn instigated the attacks in France. It is therefore on French soil that they will have to answer criminally for their responsibilities. The Iraqi authorities have clearly expressed their desire for these detainees to be transferred to their country and have even taken measures to this end. However, they encounter silence from the French authorities.
We, victims of the attacks, lawyers of the French detained in Iraq, lawyers of the victims of terrorism, viscerally attached to the rule of law and the need for the trials to take place in France, officially ask the French authorities to transfer these men and women to the territory French so that they can answer for their actions.
What are the key international laws that apply to the treatment of prisoners detained overseas, particularly in cases like the French citizens imprisoned in Iraq?
Time.news Interview with Dr. Isabelle Rousseau, an Expert in International Law and Human Rights
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, Dr. Rousseau. Thank you for joining us to discuss the highly pressing issue surrounding the fourteen French citizens imprisoned in Iraq, specifically the treatment they have received and the broader international implications. Could you start by giving us an overview of their situation?
Dr. Isabelle Rousseau: Thank you for having me. The situation of these fourteen French citizens—two women and twelve men—serves as a distressing case study in both human rights violations and international law. They have been incarcerated in inhumane conditions in Iraq after having received what many consider unjust sentences, ranging from the death penalty to twenty years in prison. The legal processes they underwent are seen by numerous human rights organizations as show trials, lacking basic rights for the defense.
Interviewer: That’s deeply concerning. You mentioned ”inhumane conditions.” Can you elaborate on what that entails for these prisoners?
Dr. Rousseau: Certainly. The living conditions are nothing short of alarming. The prisoners are crammed into cells measuring less than 100 square meters, holding over 130 individuals. This overcrowding leads to a severe lack of access to essential resources such as food and water. The women face even harsher conditions—they are denied basic rights such as access to paper, books, or even a means to communicate with the outside world.
Interviewer: What seems to be the legal reasoning behind France’s position on these individuals, especially given the international arrest warrants in play?
Dr. Rousseau: The French justice system has been working on their cases for at least a decade, tied to anti-terrorism laws. The key issue is that while the individuals have been detained in Iraq, they face ongoing investigations in France. With the international arrest warrants issued, it highlights a critical gap in responsibility—though they were captured abroad, the French state still has an obligation to ensure their rights and a fair trial.
Interviewer: What challenges do you see arising from the current conditions of these prisoners, especially for their families back in France?
Dr. Rousseau: The emotional and psychological toll on their families is immeasurable. The children who were imprisoned with their mothers have since been repatriated, but they’ve lost all contact—no voice calls or letters. This disconnection can cause significant trauma. From a legal standpoint, it creates a complex web of rights violations, not only for those imprisoned but also for their families awaiting justice and information.
Interviewer: Given this context, what steps could be taken by the French government or international bodies to address the situation effectively?
Dr. Rousseau: Firstly, the French government must prioritize the repatriation of these individuals to face trials in France. This would not only uphold their legal rights but also allow for the implementation of proper legal proceedings. International organizations, such as the United Nations or Amnesty International, should also become involved to ensure that the human rights of these prisoners are respected and that they are treated in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Interviewer: Dr. Rousseau, this is certainly a complex and multi-layered situation. What final thoughts do you have on the future for these individuals and similar cases worldwide?
Dr. Rousseau: I believe that this situation serves as a critical reminder of the responsibilities that nations have towards their citizens, regardless of the circumstances. As more individuals are taken under similar circumstances, it is crucial that human rights remain at the forefront of our international legal conversations. Advocacy, transparency, and accountability must be our guiding principles if we hope to prevent similar crises in the future.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insightful analysis, Dr. Rousseau. It’s a critical issue that warrants ongoing attention, and we appreciate your expertise in shedding light on it.
Dr. Isabelle Rousseau: Thank you for having me. I hope this discussion contributes to a wider dialog and eventually leads to tangible changes for those affected.
