Dad sentenced in absence over daughter's drowning in the Netherlands

A Dutch court has handed Khaled al Najjar a 30-year sentence in absentia after his 18-year-old daughter Ryan was found dead in May 2024; two sons were also convicted and given 20-year terms. Khaled is believed to be in Syria, where extradition to the Netherlands is unlikely.

A Dutch court has issued prison sentences after an investigation into the death of an 18-year-old woman in May 2024, which was treated as an honour killing. The father, Khaled al Najjar, was sentenced in his absence to 30 years. Two sons were convicted for their roles and received 20-year sentences each. Khaled is believed to be in Syria and did not attend the verdict. Known details: - The court sentenced Khaled al Najjar in absentia to 30 years in prison. - Two sons, aged 23 and 25, were convicted and each received 20-year sentences; only one son attended the verdict. - The deceased, identified as Ryan and aged 18, was found dead in May 2024 and the case was treated by investigators as an honour killing; prosecutors cited forensic links to the defendants. - Khaled is reported to be in Syria, which does not have an extradition treaty with the Netherlands, so it is unclear whether he will serve the sentence. Summary: The court delivered long prison terms to the three family members involved, while the principal defendant remains abroad and unlikely to be extradited. Undetermined at this time.