The family of Majdi Nema, known widely by his nom de guerre Islam Alloush, says the Syrian Ministry of Justice has formally requested his extradition from France. The petition, submitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeks the return of the former Jaysh al-Islam spokesman, who has been held in French custody for several years under universal-jurisdiction statutes.
Ahmed Yassin, a close associate authorized by the family to manage the case, told reporters that French authorities have not responded to the diplomatic request. Family members say neither French officials nor Syrian ministries have provided updates, prompting Nema’s representatives to request a physical copy of the extradition document so it can be presented to the French defense team as evidence of Damascus’s position.
Renewed Communication After the Political Transition
Nema previously released an audio message addressed to senior Syrian leadership, arguing that his continued prosecution in France constitutes an infringement on Syrian state sovereignty. He initially delayed his appeal after the political transition in Damascus, allowing the new government time to address urgent structural priorities. Eventually, he urged officials to press Paris for his transfer.
Diplomatic outreach has also stalled. Correspondence from the Syrian Embassy in Paris indicates that French authorities have not responded to requests for routine consular visits with Nema.
Legal Developments and Appeal
French courts recently dismissed the most serious charges against Nema, including forced disappearance, kidnapping, torture and murder—allegations tied to the disappearance of human rights activist Razan Zaitouneh and her colleagues. However, he received a ten-year prison sentence for membership in Jaysh al-Islam, intent to commit terrorist acts and child recruitment. The latter charge was upheld by the presiding judge despite prosecutors’ requests to drop it.
Nema has appealed the verdict, arguing that it risks establishing a precedent that could criminalize opposition factions and their leadership. Appeal hearings are scheduled to begin in early July 2027. In parallel, his advocates have arranged a meeting with Brian Mast, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, to explore potential diplomatic avenues concerning his detention conditions and extradition prospects.
Claims of Harsh Detention Conditions
Family members and advocates say Nema is experiencing severe physical strain in custody, citing nerve issues and varicose veins attributed to restricted movement in a small cell. His defense team also reports that prison authorities deduct thirty percent of his monthly allowance to pay victim restitution funds, despite the dismissal of major torture and abduction charges, and limit his phone access exclusively to calls with his mother.
A former defected military officer, Nema served as Jaysh al-Islam’s official spokesman in Eastern Ghouta until his resignation in 2017. He later relocated to Türkiye before traveling to France in late 2019 for academic studies. He was arrested three months after his arrival following complaints filed by human rights organizations. Nema maintains that his role within the group was administrative and communicative, without operational command.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
