Karbala court sentences ISIS member to 15 years in prison over pilgrimage attack plot

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Higher Judicial Council said the Karbala Felony Court sentenced an ISIS member to 15 years in prison for plotting to target pilgrims attending the Arbaeen commemoration of Imam Hussein this year. According to the council, the defendant was found guilty of using social media to promote ISIS ideology, communicating with other militants and preparing attacks in Karbala and Najaf. The court based its ruling on Article 4, Clause 1 of the Counter-Terrorism Law; Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 7 of Article 2 of the same law; and Clause 2 of Article 132 of the Penal Code. The council said the convict will be handed over to the relevant authorities to serve his sentence once the ruling becomes final. It added that judicial and security institutions would continue coordinated efforts to maintain security during pilgrimage periods.