Two brothers are facing murder charges in the Netherlands after their 18-year-old sister was found dead in a swamp, bound and gagged, in what prosecutors have classified as an honor killing.
Mohamed Al Najjar, 23, and Muhanad Al Najjar, 25, appeared in court this week accused of participating in the May 2024 death of Ryan Al Najjar. Their father, Khaled, whom authorities believe ordered the killing, has fled to Syria and is being tried in absentia.
The Case
Ryan disappeared from her family’s home in Joure on May 22, 2024. Six days later, a passerby discovered her body in Lelystad, approximately 25 miles northeast of Amsterdam. She had been gagged, her hands bound behind her back, and her ankles taped together before being submerged in the water.
Forensic evidence revealed DNA belonging to her father under her fingernails, suggesting she resisted the attack.
Prosecutors allege Ryan was killed because she had adopted what her family viewed as Western behaviors, including having a boyfriend. Authorities say these actions were considered shameful by her family, leading to the fatal attack.
The Trial
The brothers maintain their innocence, claiming their father acted alone. Khaled reportedly sent emails to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf taking sole responsibility and asserting his sons’ innocence. However, prosecutors reject this account.
According to the prosecution, Khaled instructed his sons to collect Ryan, transport her to a remote location, and throw her into the water while restrained. Authorities argue the brothers knowingly carried out actions that would result in her death.
Prior to her murder, Ryan had been under police protection, though this was withdrawn before the killing occurred. The reasons for ending her protection have not been disclosed.
International Complications
Khaled is believed to be living in northern Syria, where he has reportedly remarried. The Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security has stated that no mechanisms currently exist to secure his return, citing the absence of operational criminal justice cooperation with Syria.
Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais disputes this characterization, asserting that Syria’s justice system has been fully restored and is prepared to provide legal assistance. He claims Syria has received no formal request from the Netherlands regarding this case.
A Broader Concern
Dutch authorities estimate they provide intensive protection to at least five women annually who face the threat of honor-based violence. Reports indicate such crimes have increased across Europe over the past several decades.
The brothers have been held in custody since their arrest shortly after Ryan’s body was discovered. A judge denied their request for release pending trial.
