A Dutch woman, Hasna Aarab, is on trial in the Netherlands for crimes against humanity, specifically enslaving two Yazidi women in Syria while living in Raqqa with her Islamic State fighter husband. The Yazidis, an ancient religious minority, were targeted by ISIS for their beliefs, leading to mass killings and enslavement.
About the Yazidis
Islamic State viewed the Yazidis as devil worshippers and displaced most of the community from their ancestral home in Iraq. Aarab is the second person in the Netherlands to face charges for crimes against humanity against the Yazidis, following Germany’s conviction of two members.
Despite claiming she didn’t join ISIS intentionally, Aarab faces multiple charges, including endangering her son by taking him to a war zone. Her defense argues she was young and naive, not directly involved in commanding the enslaved women.
This trial highlights the universal jurisdiction of Dutch courts to prosecute individuals for crimes committed abroad with ties to the Netherlands. As the case unfolds, the full extent of Aarab’s involvement will be revealed.