Iraqi Justice Ministry Publishes Daesh Detainee List – Tunisia Ranks Second After Syria
The Iraqi Ministry of Justice has just released a list of detainees belonging to the terrorist organization Daesh (ISIS). According to the publication, 234 Tunisians appear on the list, making Tunisia the second‑largest source of Daesh members after Syria.
Context
The release comes amid an international debate on the repatriation of foreign terrorist fighters. The security stakes are high: many former Daesh combatants who were sentenced and imprisoned in Syria have been transferred to Iraq. This raises a pressing question: Will these terrorists be sent back to their countries of origin?
Expert Commentary
On the morning of Wednesday, 18 February 2026, security analyst Ali Zeramdini spoke on Jawhara FM about the newly published list. He described the situation as “a complex scenario today,” referring to detainees moved from the Al‑Houl and Al‑Hasakah camps in Syria to Iraqi prisons.
“This publication does not signal an intention to repatriate these individuals. Rather, it appears to confirm a political decision by Iraq to try Daesh members that their home countries refuse to host,” Zeramdini explained.
“According to legal principles, the place where the crime was committed is the appropriate venue for trial. Since Daesh crimes were perpetrated in Syria and Iraq, the perpetrators must be judged in those countries.”
Sovereignty and Tunisia’s Stance
Zeramdini added that, under the principle of state sovereignty, Tunisia has the right to refuse the return of Daesh members, just as several European nations have done. He concluded:
“I am 100 % certain that Tunisia will reject their return. They have no place among us. They are time‑bombs and pose an imminent danger to our country, as the facts and events demonstrate. Those who repeatedly shed blood never repent.”
Implications
- Security: Keeping Daesh fighters in Iraq may reduce the immediate risk of radicalization and attacks on Tunisian soil.
- Legal: Trials in the jurisdictions where crimes occurred could set precedents for future terrorism prosecutions.
- Diplomatic: Tunisia’s refusal may strain relations with countries seeking the repatriation of their nationals.
Related Article
Read also: A senior Tunisian official arrested for espionage and terrorist links
Keywords: Daesh, ISIS, Iraq Ministry of Justice, Tunisia detainees, foreign fighter repatriation, Ali Zeramdini, security, sovereignty, terrorism trials.
