In a significant legal development, a federal prosecutor in Germany has charged an Iraqi couple with enslavement, torture, and war crimes against two young Yazidi girls. The couple, identified as Twana H.S. and Asia R.A., were members of the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and Syria between 2015 and 2017. Their alleged crimes constitute part of a broader pattern of abuses committed by IS against minority communities, including the Yazidi people.
According to the details provided by prosecutors, the two victims—a five-year-old and a twelve-year-old—were subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse. Twana H.S. is accused of raping both girls, while Asia R.A. allegedly facilitated their enslavement by preparing the room for these assaults and applying makeup to one of the victims. In addition, the couple reportedly inflicted “harsh physical violence,” including hitting one girl with a broomstick and scalding the hand of the other with hot water. The victims were also forced into performing household chores and childcare under extreme conditions.
This case is part of Germany’s ongoing efforts to address war crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. In a related case in 2021, an Iraqi member of IS was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the genocide against the Yazidi minority, including the killing of a five-year-old girl. Additionally, in June 2023, the Higher Regional Court of Koblenz handled another case concerning IS perpetrators.
Internationally, efforts to achieve justice for Yazidi genocide survivors continue to gain momentum. For instance, earlier this month, The Hague District Court sentenced Dutch woman Hasna A to 10 years imprisonment for similar crimes, including the enslavement of a Yazidi woman. These cases underscore the complex legal challenges involved in addressing the atrocities committed by IS affiliates.
German authorities have been recognised for their commitment to prosecuting crimes committed by IS. In 2023, the German parliament officially acknowledged the Yazidi genocide, aligning with international efforts to honor and support the victims and survivors of these heinous acts.
For more detailed information, you can visit the original report on JURIST.