Dutch woman sentenced to 10 years for enslaving Yazidi in Syria

In Amsterdam, a Dutch court sentenced Hasna Aarab to 10 years in prison for her involvement with the Islamic State in Syria and her role in enslaving a Yazidi woman. This sentence was handed down on a Wednesday in December 2024, reflecting the severity of the crimes committed against the Yazidi community during the Islamic State's occupation from 2014 to 2017. Aarab's actions occurred between 2015 and 2016 when she lived with her young son and husband, an Islamic State fighter, in Raqqa. The court concluded that Aarab actively participated in the enslavement of the Yazidi woman, identified as Z., who was forced to work in Aarab’s household and was subjected to sexual abuse. The court emphasized that Aarab knowingly contributed to the broader systemic attack on the Yazidi minority, which faced extreme violence, including mass killings and widespread enslavement during the Islamic State’s control of the region. Aarab faced various charges aside from slavery, including joining a terrorist organization and putting her child's life at risk. While prosecutors sought an 8-year sentence, the judges deemed that the gravity of the slavery charges necessitated a harsher penalty. The sentencing underscores the recognition of slavery as one of the most heinous crimes against humanity, particularly in light of the systemic oppression faced by the Yazidi people. Although Aarab was accused by two women, the court found insufficient evidence against the other woman involved, identified as S. Aarab had moved to Islamic State-held territory, believing she could improve her life, but denied any active role in enslavement or mistreatment of the Yazidi victims, claiming they were fabricating accusations against her. Previously held in Kurdish detention camps following the fall of the Islamic State, Aarab was repatriated to the Netherlands in 2022, where she stood trial for her actions. The encounter at the court highlighted the legal repercussions for those who participated in the atrocities carried out by the Islamic State, sending a message about accountability for individuals who committed such severe crimes during their occupation. The Dutch justice system's response reveals an ongoing effort to address the involvement of foreign fighters in terrorism and human rights abuses abroad, and the emphasis on the need for justice for victims, especially from marginalized communities like the Yazidis. This case serves to remind the world of the tragic circumstances that unfolded during the Islamic State's reign and the lasting impact on affected communities. The legal outcomes, such as pressing charges against former members of such terrorist organizations, may symbolize steps toward recovery for victims and highlight the importance of international accountability in addressing crimes against humanity.