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Syrian Brothers on Trial in the Netherlands Over Alleged 'Honour' Killing of Teen Sister

08:46 PM, 11/28/2025
Syrian Brothers on Trial in the Netherlands Over Alleged 'Honour' Killing of Teen Sister

Two Syrian brothers are on trial in the Netherlands accused of killing their 18-year-old sister after discovering she had a boyfriend; prosecutors call the act an "honour killing." DNA matching the father was reportedly found under the victim's fingernails, and the father has fled to Syria and is expected to be tried in absentia. Dutch authorities say cooperation with Syria is currently limited, a claim the Syrian justice ministry disputes. The victim had previously received police protection, which was withdrawn shortly before her disappearance.

Two Syrian brothers are on trial in the Netherlands accused of binding, gagging and throwing their 18-year-old sister, Ryan Al Najjar, into a swamp after discovering she had a boyfriend — an act prosecutors describe as an "honour killing".

Prosecutors allege Mohamed Al Najjar, 23, and his brother Muhanad, 25, took Ryan from the family home in Joure and later dumped her body in a swamp near Lelystad. Her remains were found submerged six days after she disappeared.

Investigators say DNA matching the brothers' father, Khaled, was discovered under Ryan's fingernails, suggesting she struggled with her attacker. Khaled is accused of ordering the killing and has reportedly fled to northern Syria; Dutch authorities plan to try him in absentia.

The brothers deny the charges, saying their father acted alone. Prosecutors say Khaled sent emails to Dutch media claiming sole responsibility for the killing, but investigators have rejected those messages as inconsistent with the evidence.

Protection and investigation

Ryan had previously been monitored by police and received protection because of concerns for her safety, but that protection was withdrawn shortly before she disappeared. Prosecutors allege Khaled ordered his sons to collect Ryan and take her to a remote spot where she was gagged, weighted down and thrown into open water.

Diplomatic and legal obstacles

The Dutch ministry of justice and security has said it currently lacks practical means to secure Khaled's return from Syria, citing limited channels for criminal cooperation. Syria's ministry of justice disputes that assessment, saying its extradition system has been rebuilt and that it has already received requests for legal assistance from European countries.

The Public Prosecution Service has formally designated the killing an "honour killing." Authorities note that police in the Netherlands each year provide intensive protection to at least five women judged to be at risk of honour-based violence, and reports indicate such crimes and related abuses have risen across parts of Europe over the last two to three decades.

The trial is ongoing as prosecutors present evidence to support their claim that the killing was motivated by perceived "Western" behaviour and concerns about family honour.

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