Iraqi jailed for life for trafficking fighters to Russia

An Iraqi man has been sentenced to life in prison for human trafficking. He recruited Iraqis to join the Russian side in the war against Ukraine. The Najaf Criminal Court announced the verdict on Monday, citing Iraq’s anti-human trafficking law. The court statement did not provide further details. However, officials said Risan Falah Kamel was convicted of recruiting fighters for Russia. Foreign fighters have joined both sides since the war began in 2022. Ukrainian officials have reported foreign nationals fighting for Russia, while Ukraine has also attracted international volunteers.