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Three French Child Soldiers Demand Repatriation from Iraq

4/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Three French nationals detained in Iraq, forced to work for the Islamic State as children, seek repatriation.
Their lawyers argue international humanitarian law prohibits recruiting children in conflict and requires France to repatriate them.
The men were taken to Syria by their jihadist parents at ages 11 or 12 and filed documents in France.
They contend France fails to repatriate and allows inhumane treatment in an Iraqi prison.

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Story summary

Three French nationals detained in Iraq, forced to work for the Islamic State as children, seek repatriation.
Their lawyers argue international humanitarian law prohibits recruiting children in conflict and requires France to repatriate them.
The men were taken to Syria by their jihadist parents at ages 11 or 12 and filed documents in France.
They contend France fails to repatriate and allows inhumane treatment in an Iraqi prison.