Three French nationals handed down death sentence in Iraq over joining Daesh

BAGHDAD - 26 May 2019: An Iraqi court sentenced on Sunday three French citizens to death over joining terrorist group Daesh.

They had been captured in Syria by a US-backed force fighting the jihadists where they were transferred for trial, said France 24 Channel.

Named as Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou, they have 30 days to appeal.

Iraq has taken custody of thousands of jihadists repatriated in recent months from neighboring Syria, where they were caught by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces during the battle to destroy the IS "caliphate".

Iraqi courts have placed on trial hundreds of foreigners, condemning many to life in prison and others to death, although no foreign IS members have yet been executed.

Those sentenced on Sunday were among 12 French citizens who were caught in Syria and transferred to Iraqi custody in February.