German IS teen will answer for crimes, face death penalty: Abadi
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A German teenager who joined the Islamic State (IS) will have to answer for her crimes and is likely to face the death penalty, according to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
In an interview with the Associated Press, the Iraqi PM said 16-year-old Linda Wenzel, captured by Iraqi troops in Mosul, will probably receive a death sentence for her crimes.
“You know, teenagers under certain laws, they are accountable for their actions especially if the act is a criminal activity when it amounts to killing innocent people,” Abadi said.
Following a nine-month long battle against IS in Mosul, their de facto capital and last stronghold in the country, Iraqi forces arrested several extremists hiding in the city.
Wenzel was arrested after Iraqi soldiers discovered her along with 19 other female IS supporters from various countries hiding inside a tunnel.
The women had reportedly barricaded themselves under the rubble of Mosul with guns and explosives.
Iraqi forces celebrate the arrest of the 16-year-old.
Iraqi journalist Amir Musawy, who met the 16-year-old after her arrest, said Wenzel was unaware of the severity of her crimes and actions.
“I do not have the feeling that she understands what she did, and what she might have waiting for her, whether in Iraq or in Germany,” he was quoted by the Independent.
“It’s like she is still thinking like a child or a young woman and not understanding what is waiting for her,” he added.
Meanwhile, German authorities are trying to bring Wenzel back to Europe where she could spend a decade in prison as the country is against the death penalty.
According to Iraqi counter-terrorism laws, the teenager could face the death penalty, but only after she turns 22.
Wenzel remains detained in Baghdad along with three other German women who are awaiting prosecution following the liberation of Mosul.
The condition under which they are being held is unknown at this time.
Editing by Ava Homa