Suspected ISIS members, including Canadians, have been transferred from Syria to prisons in Iraq as part of a larger detainee movement involving over 5,700 individuals from various countries.
Iraq's judiciary has confirmed the transfer of over 5,700 detainees, including suspected members of ISIS from 61 different countries, into Iraqi prisons. Among these detainees are Canadians, though the exact number has not been disclosed. The move comes amid ongoing concerns regarding foreign fighters who joined ISIS in Syria and have since been captured. Global Affairs Canada is monitoring the situation but has not provided additional details regarding the Canadian nationals involved.
The National Center for International Judicial Cooperation indicated that the majority of those transferred are Syrians, yet it highlighted the prominence of foreign nationals, including several from Western countries such as Germany, Australia, and the UK. This development raises questions about the legal status and future of these detainees, as many governments grapple with the implications of repatriating their citizens involved in foreign conflicts.
In Canada, there has been heightened scrutiny and debate surrounding the issue of returning ISIS fighters, with public safety and national security concerns at the forefront. At least five Canadians, reported to be involved with ISIS, have been identified as among those transferred to Iraq, igniting discussions on how the Canadian government will address the potential challenges posed by their return or prosecution under Iraqi law.
