Iraqi Couple Charged with Yazidi Enslavement and War Crimes

An Iraqi couple, members of the Islamic State, have been charged by Germany's federal prosecutor with enslavement, torture, and war crimes. They allegedly held two young Yazidi girls as slaves, abusing them sexually and physically, and were involved in promoting the destruction of the Yazidi religion.

An Iraqi couple has been charged with enslavement, torture, and war crimes by Germany's federal prosecutor, the office announced on Monday.

The indictment alleges the couple, identified as Twana H.S. and Asia R.A., were members of the Islamic State group between 2015 and 2017, during which they held two young Yazidi girls as slaves. The alleged crimes include severe abuses to the girls, aged 5 and 12, including sexual and physical assaults and forced labor.

Prosecutors argue these actions contributed to the Islamic State's aim of eradicating the Yazidi religion. Following their capture, the couple transferred the victims to other IS members before leaving Syria in November 2017.

(With inputs from agencies.)