Father gets 30 years, brothers 20 for alleged honor killing of Ryan Al Najjar
The Lelystad court on Monday sentenced the father and two brothers of 18-year-old Ryan Al Najjar from Joure to prison terms of up to 30 years for her murder in May 2024. Ryan was strangled and drowned in the Oostvaardersplassen area near Lelystad, the court ruled, according to De Telegraaf.
The father, 53-year-old Khaled Al Najjar, received the heaviest sentence of 30 years, five years longer than the prosecution had requested. He reportedly played a leading role in the crime and fled to Syria after the murder, where he remains internationally wanted. Ryan’s brothers, aged 23 and 25, were each sentenced to 20 years, matching the prosecution’s request.
The court found that Ryan was killed because she had allegedly “dishonored” the family by adopting Western behaviors. According to court records, her brothers ensured she arrived at the location, fully aware that their father intended to kill her.
“It is a parent’s job to support their child and allow them to flourish. Khaled did the opposite,” the court said.
Prosecutors argued, and the court agreed, that all three were guilty of complicity in the crime, making them equally responsible for Ryan’s death regardless of their individual actions in the final moments. The court also noted premeditation, stating the family had intended to erase any trace of her existence. Neither the father nor the brothers attempted to contact Ryan afterward, suggesting they knew she was already dead.
As he was escorted to the holding facility at the court, Muhanad Al N., one of Ryan’s brothers, shouted, “I will clear my name!” according to De Telegraaf.
