[Rudaw] France has acknowledged that Iraqi law provides for the sentences imposed on seven French nationals convicted of membership in the Islamic State (ISIS), while emphasizing its respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and judicial independence.
A diplomatic source from the French foreign ministry said in a written response to Rudaw that it does not comment on judicial decisions in other countries or interfere in ongoing legal proceedings.
“We note that the sentences handed down (life imprisonment and a 15-year prison sentence) are stipulated under Iraqi criminal law for the offenses of which these French nationals are accused,” the source said.
An Iraqi court on Tuesday sentenced six French nationals to life imprisonment and a seventh to 15 years in prison after convicting them of ISIS membership, according to Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).
The French Embassy attended the hearings as an observer, the source said, adding that further trials of French nationals were scheduled and that the embassy would continue to monitor the proceedings.
The ministry said the hearings demonstrated that the defendants had been informed of the charges against them and presented with the evidence contained in their individual case files.
“They had the assistance of an interpreter whenever necessary, as well as the opportunity to be defended by counsel of their choice, including a French lawyer,” the source said, provided the French lawyer was accompanied by a colleague admitted to the Iraqi Bar.
The defendants could also opt for a court-appointed Iraqi public defender, with hearings adjourned when necessary to allow lawyers to examine case files and prepare their defense, the source added.
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