News item | 18-05-2022 | 19:35
The trial of ISIS terrorists has a high priority for the Netherlands. Good evidence gathering is essential and must take place at the place where the crimes were committed and the victims were made. Minister of Justice and Security Yesilgöz-Zegerius paid a working visit to Iraq this week. The relationship between the Netherlands and Iraq is good and versatile, and there is close cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the detection and prosecution of ISIS terrorists.
“Terrorist acts must not go unpunished, and the Netherlands has an interest in this for travelers from the Netherlands. People who have knowingly left our country to join a struggle aimed at destroying everything we stand for. Have joined a terrorist organization. They cannot escape their punishment. The Netherlands is therefore joining forces with Iraq and other countries to prosecute ISIS terrorists to prevent impunity,” said Yesilgöz-Zegerius.
Good evidence gathering is of great importance in prosecuting ISIS terrorists. That is why the minister paid a visit to the United Nations Investigation Team (UNITAD) in Baghdad. They investigate crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by IS terrorists. During the visit, she spoke with Special Adviser Christian Ritscher about concluding a bilateral agreement so that the Netherlands can also use UNITAD’s database. A number of European countries such as Germany and Sweden are already doing so and have successfully prosecuted several ISIS fighters. They also discussed the provision of expertise and additional financial support was promised.
Yesilgöz-Zegerius also spoke to the chairman of in Baghdad The Supreme Judicial Council Zaidan, National Security Advisor Al-Araji and in Erbil with Prime Minister Barzani and Interior Minister Khalid of the Kurdish Autonomous Region. During the talks, the minister emphasized the importance of prosecuting (Dutch) ISIS fighters and the fight against impunity. Cooperation with the Iraqi authorities is of great importance in this regard. The minister reiterated the support of the Dutch cabinet for the Yazidi community and expressed thanks for the cooperation for justice. The cabinet will also continue to explore the possibilities of trial in the region.
The visit concluded with a meeting with representatives of the Yazidi community. Yesilgöz-Zegerius underlined the support of the Netherlands for the Yazidi community in the fight for justice for the atrocities inflicted on them. The prosecution of the perpetrators is of great importance to the Netherlands and the organizations that assist victims and help them cope with trauma can count on full support from the Netherlands.
Yesilgöz-Zegerius: “It is inhumane what has been done to the Yazidis in IS territory. It is distressing and unpalatable to hear. The Netherlands supports the victims 100%. Together with the Iraqi authorities, UNITAD and the Dutch Public Prosecution Service and the police, they are working hard to ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished. I am doing everything in my power to strengthen this collaboration.”