Dear Friends and Supporters,

This month marked a powerful step forward in the global pursuit of justice for Yezidis. In a historic ruling, a French court convicted Sabri Essid of genocide and crimes against humanity, marking the first time French courts have formally recognized the genocide committed against the Yezidi people. FYF’s Executive Director, Pari Ibrahim, contributed expert testimony to the case, alongside Yezidi survivors and international experts whose courage and persistence made this landmark decision possible.

Building on this momentum, FYF brought the conversation to the United Kingdom, convening leaders at Parliament to address the urgent need for accountability. Despite hundreds of British nationals having joined ISIS, no prosecutions in the UK have yet addressed the atrocities committed against Yezidis.

FRENCH COURT CONVICTS SABRI ESSID OF GENOCIDE AGAINST YEZIDIS

A landmark ruling marks the first time a French court has formally recognized the genocide committed against Yezidis. The court has found Sabri Essid, a French jihadist and former high-official of the Islamic State (ISIS) guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity, and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

This trial was held in absentia, as Sabri Essid is presumed dead in Syria, though not confirmed. Sabri Essid, also known as Abou Dojanah al-Faransi, was a central figure in the French jihadist movement. He is accused of having committed genocide, as well as acts of enslavement, imprisonment, torture, rape, persecution and other inhuman acts constituting crimes against humanity, and of complicity in these crimes, against Yezidi women and children in Syria.

Several Yezidi survivors and their children acted as civil parties during the trial. FYF’s Executive Director provided expert witness testimony in the trial, as did several other Yezidi and international experts.

"Whether the accused is dead or alive, the court's decision will send a message to Yazidis around the world. By recognizing this genocide, this trial delivers justice and puts an end to impunity." Pari Ibrahim, Executive Director of FYF.

Watch reactions following the verdict from Samih Taha, Yezidi Survivor, as well as FYF's lawyers here.

ADVANCING JUSTICE IN THE UK FOR THE YEZIDI PEOPLE

Following the successful prosecution in France, FYF and the UK Parliament’s APPG on Women, Peace, and Security, convened a meeting at the UK Parliament to advance discussions on justice and accountability for crimes committed against Yezidis. Held just one week after France’s first conviction for the Yezidi genocide, the meeting highlighted the contrast between progress in European jurisdictions and the lack of indictments or convictions in the UK related to British ISIS members.

Nearly 1,000 British citizens joined ISIS. While many were killed, approximately 400 returned to the UK. Of those, only 32 have been convicted on terrorism-related charges, and none have been held accountable for the atrocities committed against Yezidis.

FYF’s Executive Director also engaged with senior officials from the FCDO to raise these concerns and advocate for stronger legal action. The meeting brought together members of the House of Lords and House of Commons, many of whom expressed strong support for FYF’s justice efforts. FYF extends its gratitude to Baroness Fiona Hodgson for chairing the session, as well as Dr. Ewelina Ochab, the International Bar Association, Sareta Ashraph, Lord Alton, and Brendan O’Hara for their continued support.

FYF will continue advocating for the UK to follow the lead of other European states and begin prosecuting British ISIS members for the crimes they committed against Yezidis. Follow us for more updates from our recent engagements across Europe.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue this fight and advance justice together.

Sincerely,

Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation