Facts
As a member of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Rami K. reportedly fought in the Iraqi civil war in 2015. Following a battle against members of the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS) north of Baghdad, the suspect allegedly posed for a photo while holding the severed heads of two ISIS fighters who had been killed in combat. The photo was later published on social media. The suspect confessed to the crime.
Procedure
On 29 August 2016, German police arrested Iraqi national Rami K. on strong suspicion of commission of a war crime.
On 22 February 2017 the trial against Rami K. started before the Higher Regional Court in Berlin. He was accused of war crimes for having treated persons who were required to be protected under international humanitarian law in a gravely humiliating or degrading manner.
On 1 March 2017, Rami K. was found guilty of war crimes and given a 20-month suspended sentence.