Iraq sentences Belgian man to death

BAGHDAD: Iraq sentenced a Belgian man to death by hanging on Monday for being part of the IS group, one of dozens of foreign nationals facing the death penalty in Iraq.

Bilal al Marchohi, 23, was given the death penalty for belonging to and conducting operations on behalf of the group. During an hour of proceedings at Iraq’s Central Criminal Court, the judge read out portions of Marchohi’s signed confession and showed a video and photographs that he said proved his membership in the group.

The images from a phone found in his possession at the time of arrest showed Marchohi carrying a gun and making a hand gesture affiliated with the fighters. Several pictures showed him cradling his infant son.

Marchohi repeatedly denied all allegations against him in open court, including that he was a member of Islamic State in Iraq at any time.

“I shouldn’t be prosecuted in Iraq,” Marchohi said. “I should be prosecuted in Belgium, I am a Belgian citizen.”

During the proceedings, judge Jumaa Saidi told the court that the photographs were clear evidence that Marchohi was a member of IS.

A translator was appointed by the judge for Marchohi, who spoke in English throughout the trial. He was also given a court appointed lawyer with whom he had no contact at all throughout the trial. — Reuters