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March 21, 2025 – France –
In a powerful moment of justice, a Paris court on March 21, 2025, sentenced five jihadists for their roles in the kidnapping and torture of four French journalists in Syria from 2013 to 2014. Among them was Mehdi Nemmouche, a notorious figure already serving life for the deadly 2014 Brussels Jewish Museum attack. Nemmouche received another life sentence with a mandatory 22-year term before parole, sealing his fate as one of the central figures in a harrowing ordeal that left deep psychological scars on his victims.
The journalists—Didier François, Edouard Elias, Nicolas Hénin, and Pierre Torres—were captured by the Islamic State group and held for 10 months. During their captivity, they were subjected to relentless physical and psychological abuse. The captors, particularly Nemmouche, who went by “Abu Omar,” orchestrated beatings, mock executions, and forced the journalists to witness brutal acts, including real executions of other hostages. The cruelty was systematic and intended to break their spirits.
Nicolas Hénin, one of the victims, vividly described how they were dragged out for staged beheadings or mock crucifixions under the sun, living in constant fear of death. The trauma they endured was meant to silence their voices and crush their hope, but their testimonies helped bring their abusers to justice.
Alongside Nemmouche, Abdelmalek Tanem was sentenced to 22 years, and Kais Al Abdullah received 20 years. Two others, Oussama Atar and Salim Benghalem, were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment. They are presumed dead but were once known to have orchestrated jihadist operations in Syria.
Nemmouche never showed remorse. In court, he admitted being an ISIS fighter and chillingly declared, “Yes, I was a terrorist, and I will never apologise.” His lack of regret was met with horror by the victims and observers alike.
This ruling is a significant moment for press freedom and accountability. It underscores the dangers journalists face while reporting in conflict zones, and sends a clear message that even years later, justice will come. The verdict offers a measure of closure—not just for the survivors, but for a world watching the erosion of truth in times of war.
Reference –
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/03/french-jihadist-who-held-journalists-gets-life-sentence
