Othman Garrido, a Spanish national of Moroccan descent, was sentenced to 30 years in prison by a special criminal court in Paris on Tuesday, September 22. The court found him guilty of being part of the Islamic State (IS), a group known for its extreme violence and control over parts of Syria and Iraq. Garrido faced charges related to his alleged role as a torturer for IS in Syria, as well as involvement in terrorist activities. The trial, which lasted one week, focused on Garrido’s alleged participation in the group’s activities. He was charged with terrorist association, two counts of murder, and an assassination. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Garrido had traveled to Syria and joined IS, where he allegedly participated in brutal acts against civilians and prisoners. Garrido’s defense argued that the evidence against him was circumstantial and that he had not been directly involved in the crimes. However, the court rejected these claims, stating that the evidence was sufficient to establish his participation in the group and its violent activities. The court emphasized that joining a terrorist organization is a serious crime under French law, regardless of the individual's role within the group. The sentencing highlights France’s strict stance on terrorism and its efforts to prosecute individuals involved in extremist activities, even if they are foreign nationals. Garrido’s case is part of a broader international effort to hold individuals accountable for their roles in groups like IS, which have been designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations.