Dutch prosecutors have outlined a troubling case in which 18-year-old Ryan Al Najjar was allegedly killed by members of her own family after her behaviour was deemed “Western” and said to have brought “shame.” Her two brothers, Mohamed (23) and Muhanad Al Najjar (25), are now standing trial in the Netherlands, while their father, Khaled, has left the country and is believed to be in northern Syria.
Ryan vanished on May 22, 2024, from the family home in Joure. Six days later, her body was found in a marshland area in Lelystad, about 25 miles from Amsterdam. Prosecutors say evidence shows she resisted her attackers, and the Public Prosecution Service has officially classified the case as an honour killing.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Family Plan
According to the prosecution, Ryan’s father ordered his sons to take her from the house, drive her to a remote location, and leave her in a situation where she could not survive. Prosecutors argue the brothers knowingly carried out the plan, believing it was required to “restore honour” to the family.
Both brothers deny involvement, insisting their father acted alone. Khaled reportedly sent emails to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf saying he, not his sons, was responsible. Prosecutors rejected this version of events, saying evidence contradicts his claims.
Father Believed to Be in Syria
The father fled the Netherlands shortly after Ryan’s death. An investigation by Dutch programme Nieuwsuur reported that he is living in northern Syria and has since remarried.
Dutch authorities say there is currently no functional legal cooperation with Syria, making extradition unlikely. The Dutch Ministry of Justice explained:
“The possibilities for criminal cooperation with Syria are currently not available.”
However, Syria’s Minister of Justice, Mazhar al-Wais, publicly disputed this, saying the country’s justice system is operating and ready to cooperate:
“The Syrian justice system has been fully restored. We are prepared to provide legal assistance according to regulations.”
He added that Syria had not received any request from the Netherlands regarding this case.
Concerns Over Past Protection Measures
Before her death, Ryan had been under police monitoring due to concerns about her safety. That protection was discontinued, though officials have not explained why. Her case has renewed debate in the Netherlands about protection for women facing threats from within their own families.
The judge has ordered both brothers to remain in custody throughout the trial.
Honour Killings in Europe: A Wider Pattern
Experts estimate that Dutch police offer heightened protection each year to several women believed to be at significant risk of family-based violence linked to “honour” motives. Analysts say cases across Europe have risen over the past two to three decades, sparking fears about the safety of young women caught between cultural expectations and personal freedom.
Several high-profile cases have drawn international attention:
Italy (2023): A Pakistani couple was sentenced to life after their daughter, Saman Abbas, was killed for refusing an arranged marriage.
Sweden (2023): A man received a life sentence for killing his pregnant girlfriend, Saga Forsgren Elneborg, amid fears his family would disapprove of her.
Germany: A couple was jailed for the death of their 19-year-old daughter, Lareeb Khan, following family conflict over her relationship with someone they did not approve of.
Dutch prosecutors say Ryan’s case highlights the need for stronger safeguards and better cooperation between communities, police, and social services to prevent such tragedies.
Source:Africa Publicity
