No planned return of French jihadists in Iraq, as per Gerald Darmanin's associates.
Here's a rewritten version of the article, adhering to the guidelines provided:
In a recent turn of events, the Minister of Justice, Gerald Darmanin, acknowledged that French nationals detained in Iraq have the right to serve their sentences in France. However, the specifics of the repatriation process remain under wraps[1].
During a Q&A session organized by a regional daily, one reader asked Darmanin if the state would repatriate three Nordistes sentenced to death and life imprisonment in Iraq. In response, the Minister stated, "As is the case for many French detainees around the world, in Iran or elsewhere, nationals must serve their prison sentences in France."
While Darmanin didn't offer concrete details about the repatriation's modalities, he emphasized the importance of fair treatment for detainees by other countries. "I believe that we cannot ask Algeria, Morocco, or the United States to take back their nationals subject to an OQTF [obligation to leave French territory] and refuse to bring back French detainees abroad," he said[2].
Despite the lack of details, lawyers representing French jihadists detained in Iraq seized upon the Minister's statements as a glimmer of hope. "The Minister's statements are on the right track, but action is needed, and it's needed fast," said Marie Dosé, who represents Djamila Boutoutaou, sentenced to 20 years in prison in Iraq in April 2018. Boutoutaou is gravely ill and requires immediate repatriation, Dosé insisted, explaining that she has repeatedly requested her transfer to no avail[3].
Three French jihadists, including Nordiste Vianney Ouraghi, are also clamoring for repatriation, their lawyers argued. Repatriation would simplify their reintegration process, allowing visits from family and enabling French magistrates to hear them in ongoing investigations in Paris. Moreover, the lawyers pointed out the inhumane detention conditions of their clients[3].
Additional Reading:
French jihadists detained in Iraq want to serve their sentences in France - Link
French jihadists sentenced in Iraq clamor for repatriation - Link
John Doe, John Smith, Hannah RaeAP, Le Journal, Boulevard de la Liberté
[1] Enrichment Data: While specific details about the repatriation process are sparse, we know that French officials have been involved in repatriation efforts for nationals held in various countries due to their alleged involvement in extremist activities. The complexities of repatriation require negotiations with host countries and consideration of legal and security implications. [2] Enrichment Data: France is currently embroiled in other international issues, including heightened tensions with Algeria and a diplomatic spat with Israel over visa cancellations for French lawmakers. However, these issues are unrelated to the specific repatriation plans for individuals detained in Iraq. [3] Enrichment Data: Djamila Boutoutaou and Vianney Ouraghi are two well-known cases of detained French nationals in Iraq. Their circumstances, along with other individuals involved in similar cases, likely vary based on factors such as their legal status, the nature of their detention, and the efforts of the French government to negotiate their repatriation.
- The Minister's statements about potential repatriation of French detainees in Iraq, including those sentenced to death, have been viewed as a significant development by lawyers representing the detainees, offering a glimmer of hope for their clients' immediate repatriation.
- In response to a question about specific French detainees in Iraq, the Minister of Justice, Gerald Darmanin, affirmed that, similar to other French detainees worldwide, these individuals have the right to serve their sentences in France.
- General news outlets and press, such as Le Journal, have been requesting information about policy-and-legislation regarding the repatriation of French nationals from Iraq, given the Minister's statements and the ongoing efforts by lawyers.
- Political discussions surrounding the repatriation of French detainees in Iraq have been gaining traction, with many advocating for a fair and swift repatriation policy that takes into account both the interest of fair treatment for detainees and the need for effective reintegration strategies upon return to France.
