Yesilgöz-Zegerius speaks with Yazidi community representatives | news item

News item | 18-03-2022 | 17:52

The crimes that have been and are being committed against Yazidis by IS terrorists are among the most serious crimes in existence. The perpetrators of these crimes must not go unpunished. The Netherlands has a specialized police team and a specialized team at the Public Prosecution Service for the investigation and prosecution of these crimes. They are daily engaged in the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against Yazidis has a high priority.

Today Minister of Justice and Security Yesilgöz-Zegerius spoke with a delegation from the Yazidi community.

“It is inhumane what has been done to the Yazidis in IS territory. Their stories are poignant and unpalatable. These victims deserve our full support, in coming to terms with these horrific acts and in the fight against impunity for the perpetrators. We are working hard to ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished.”

said Yesilgöz-Zegerius.

The Netherlands is in close contact with other countries, such as Sweden and France. The police and the Public Prosecution Service also maintain good contacts with organizations that are in contact with the Yazidi community in the Netherlands. Before the summer, the House of Representatives will be further informed about the progress of the investigation, prosecution and trial of international crimes committed against Yazidis.

The government will also continue to advocate for the prosecution and trial of IS fighters and will work closely with other European countries in this regard, for example by looking at the possibilities of trial in the region. Yesilgöz-Zegerius spoke about this earlier with her French colleague Darmanin and will also put it on the agenda at the so-called Vendôme meeting that she will have on March 28 in Brussels with her French, German, Spanish, Italian and Luxembourg colleague ministers.

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