Islamic State sisters on trial in Norway
Darkish signal within the desert with the phrases Islamic State in white letters.
Credit score: Shutterstock, Michael Wick
‘We had been too younger!’ Sisters plead for mercy after IS terror trial in Norway.
Two sisters who left Norway to hitch the phobia group IS in Syria have concluded their controversial trial in Oslo, the place their defence has portrayed them as victims of circumstance and youthful naivety.
The siblings, who grew up in a Somali refugee household that was welcomed into Norway, shocked the nation 11 years in the past once they deserted their Oslo lives on the tender ages of 19 and 16 to hitch the so-called Islamic State. Now, after years in custody and a seven-week trial, they declare they had been ‘too younger and weak’ to know the implications of their actions.
From schoolgirls to terror brides
In courtroom, the sisters admitted to marrying IS fighters and having kids throughout their time with the group. Prosecutors argued they had been lively members in Islamic State actions, together with makes an attempt to recruit buddies again in Norway and even establishing a girls’s coaching camp in Syria.
Whereas the sisters declare they solely wished to ‘assist Muslims’ and had been pressured to marry fighters for security, prosecutors described them as unwavering supporters of the extremist group.
The courtroom was additionally proven harrowing testimonies alleging that the 2 sisters punished girls who defied the Islamic State’s strict legal guidelines. The defence hit again, insisting the sisters merely did what they may to outlive, with one lawyer passionately declaring, “It should be allowed to attempt to survive.”
A taxpayer-funded rescue
After IS collapsed, the pair spent years in a refugee camp infamous for housing girls who upheld the group’s brutal ideology. Norway ultimately introduced them again to Norway on the taxpayers’ expense, inserting their kids in foster care and arresting the ladies on terrorism fees.
Since their return, the sisters have argued that their solely crime was being within the mistaken place on the mistaken time. They insist they wished to depart IS however had been trapped and unable to flee.
The ultimate verdict looms.
If convicted, the older sister faces 4 years behind bars, whereas the youthful may serve two. The courtroom is anticipated to ship its verdict in late January 2025.
This case has sparked fierce debate throughout Norway, with critics questioning why taxpayers ought to foot the invoice for bringing again alleged terrorists, whereas others argue the sisters deserve a second likelihood.
What do you suppose? Misguided teenagers or calculating extremists? Tell us your ideas.
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