France Will Prosecute ISIS Member for Yezidi Genocide

FYF welcomes a major step forward in the pursuit of justice for ISIS crimes committed against the Yezidi community.

On July 8, 2025, the Investigating Chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal ruled that French national Sonia Mejri will stand trial before the specially composed Assize Court for her alleged involvement in crimes committed against the Yezidi community, including the crime of genocide.

Ms. Sonia Mejri is accused of having joined the Islamic State and participating in its operations in Syria, where members of the Yezidi minority were subjected to systematic persecution, abduction, sexual slavery, and murder. She remains in pre-trial detention.

While the charge of crimes against humanity was not addressed by the Investigating Chamber, the question of genocide has been at the heart of lengthy legal debate. The genocide charge had initially been dismissed, but following the French Court of Cassation, the Investigating Chamber re-examined the case and ultimately ruled that sufficient evidence exists to justify her trial on this basis.

The Free Yezidi Foundation, admitted as a civil party in this case and represented by Inès Davau, attorney at the Paris Bar, welcomes this development as a crucial step in holding ISIS members accountable and recognizing the specific and targeted suffering endured by the Yezidi community. This is the first case in France involving a female ISIS member being prosecuted for genocide committed against the Yezidis.

“This ruling sends a powerful message,” said FYF Executive Director Pari Ibrahim. “It acknowledges the scale and nature of the crimes committed and reflects the growing willingness of national courts to pursue justice for international crimes, including genocide. FYF is a civil party in this case to make sure that the appropriate charges are being applied and courts do not take the easy route, focusing on terror charges or other charges short of genocide.”

FYF remains committed to supporting survivors and pursuing accountability in all jurisdictions where justice can be sought.