Court in the Netherlands: up to 25 years in prison for the murder of a daughter for the sake of honor.

According to ТСН: Dutch prosecutors are seeking up to 25 years of imprisonment for three members of the Al-Najjar family in the case of the brutal murder of 18-year-old Ryan Al-Najjar. Her body was found tied up in a swamp last year.

The prosecution considers this murder a 'honor attack' and classifies it as 'femicidal' - the murder of a woman because of her gender. The motive for the crime is said to be Ryan's rejection of strict family rules and a Western lifestyle. The girl refused to wear an Islamic headscarf.

Ryan Al-Najjar disappeared on May 22, 2024, from her family home in Jor. Six days later, her body was found near Lelystad with a gag in her mouth and her hands tied.

In the dock are her brothers - 23-year-old Mohamed and 25-year-old Muhanad Al-Najjar, who are accused of the direct murder. Their father, Khaled Al-Najjar, is suspected of organizing the crime and is currently on the run in Syria, he will be tried in absentia.

Conflict over TikTok and hijab

Prosecutors provided new information about the case, stating that the main reason for the murder was Ryan's acceptance of a Western lifestyle, which angered her father. The girl communicated with boys, actively used social media, and refused to appear in a headscarf.

A key factor was likely a live video on TikTok, where Ryan appeared without a headscarf and with makeup. According to prosecutors, intercepted messages indicate that this video 'embarrassed' the girl's family due to their traditional views.

'Honor killings are absolutely unacceptable. This is a form of femicide,' said the prosecutor.

Father's DNA and flight to Syria

Investigators found Khaled Al-Najjar's DNA under Ryan's nails, indicating her resistance. The prosecution claims that the murder took place shortly after midnight when the father ordered his sons to take Ryan and bring her to a hideout.

Prosecutors noted that while Khaled was the 'driving force', without the help of his sons, the crime would not have occurred. Mohamed and Muhanad Al-Najjar deny their guilt, claiming that their father committed the murder.

It is known that Khaled sent emails to a Dutch newspaper taking responsibility for the murder and claiming his sons' innocence. However, prosecutors have refuted this information. The sisters of the deceased support their brothers and also hold the father responsible.

Cancellation of protection and international complications

Before her death, Ryan was under police surveillance and had protection, which was canceled before the murder. The reasons for the cancellation of protection have not been disclosed.

Khaled Al-Najjar is reportedly hiding in northern Syria. The Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security stated that his return for the trial is impossible due to the lack of effective judicial authorities.

The Syrian Ministry of Justice denied this information, claiming that their system is 'fully restored' and ready to provide legal assistance, but they have not received any requests from the Netherlands.

It should be noted that similar cases of violence in the name of 'honor' against women who refuse to adhere to certain norms are gaining increasing attention in society, provoking outrage and the need for legal changes to protect victims. It is important that such cases receive proper coverage and serve as a signal for society about the need to combat stereotypes and violence.