Iraqi court begins trial of six French Islamic State suspects in Baghdad

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, an Iraqi court in Baghdad opened the trial of six French nationals accused of belonging to the Islamic State group. The suspects, transferred from Syria to Iraq last year, face the death penalty if convicted of crimes against Iraq. The hearing was adjourned until October 5. The defendants' lawyers argue the proceedings are too quick and call for repatriation to France. The trial follows a recent visit by Iraq's prime minister to France, where both countries pledged to strengthen cooperation against terrorism.