Sema Following
Vian Dakhil, revealed that al-Baghdadi’s wife personally recruited and handed over young Yazidi girls, some as young as six or seven, to her husband, who then assaulted them before selling them to ISIS fighters.
The National Center for International Judicial Cooperation announced on Thursday, that it has officially documented the testimony of Asema Mohammed, the wife of former ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, regarding the abductions and abuses suffered by Yazidi women and other minority groups.
Crucial Evidence to Prosecute ISIS Crimes
In a statement, the center confirmed that it worked in coordination with the First Karkh Investigation Court to record significant information that could aid in prosecuting those responsible for these crimes and bringing them to justice.
The documentation process also included the case of American journalist Kayla Mueller, who was kidnapped and killed by ISIS. According to the statement, al-Baghdadi’s wife provided testimony on this crime as well.
Iraqi Court Sentences al-Baghdadi’s Wife to Death
In a separate ruling, an Iraqi court sentenced Asema Mohammed to death for her involvement in ISIS operations, including the detention of Yazidi women in her home. The Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council confirmed that the Karkh Criminal Court issued the ruling under Article 4 (1) and Article 2 (1,3) of the Anti-Terrorism Law No. 13 of 2005, in reference to Article 7 (1) of the Yazidi Survivors Law No. 8 of 2021.
According to the judicial council, Asema Mohammed played a direct role in detaining abducted Yazidi women in her residence following their capture by ISIS militants in Sinjar, west of Nineveh province.
Intelligence Operation Led to Arrest of al-Baghdadi’s Wife
On Feb. 16, 2024, the Iraqi National Intelligence Service announced the capture of al-Baghdadi’s wife and daughter in a neighboring country. Intelligence efforts led to their identification and subsequent arrest.
Iraqi lawmaker Vian Dakhil, known for advocating Yazidi rights, previously stated that Asema Mohammed was deeply involved in ISIS’s human trafficking operations and sexual violence against Yazidi girls.
In a press conference on Feb. 21, 2024, she revealed that al-Baghdadi’s wife personally recruited and handed over young Yazidi girls, some as young as six or seven, to her husband, who then assaulted them before selling them to ISIS fighters.
Dakhil urged the Iraqi government to enforce the harshest possible legal punishment against both Asema Mohammed and her daughter, given their direct participation in the crimes of ISIS.
Televised Confession and Personal Accounts
In a widely publicized interview with Al Arabiya TV, Asema Mohammed provided details about her life with al-Baghdadi, offering insights into both personal and operational aspects of their time within ISIS.