A father has been handed a 30-year prison sentence for the murder of his own daughter, sending disturbing text messages to his sons after the crime. Ryan al Najjar, aged 18, was discovered bound and gagged, face down in a pond in a secluded country park a month after her birthday. She was fatally attacked by her father, Khaled al Najjar, who alleged that she was becoming too influenced by Western culture, aided by her brothers Muhanad, 25, and Muhamad, 24.
Ryan’s parents had sought asylum in the Netherlands to escape the conflict in Syria. However, tragically, Ryan was brutally killed for embracing a lifestyle her father disapproved of. Her body was found wrapped in 18 meters of duct tape in shallow water, with Khaled’s DNA present under her nails and on the tape. Disturbingly, evidence suggested she was still alive when thrown into the water, with Khaled remorselessly stating, “My mistake was not digging a hole for her.”
During the trial, it was revealed that the two brothers had taken Ryan to the secluded spot and left her alone with their father. The court found them complicit in the murder, supported by data from their phones placing them at the scene, as well as algae on their shoes. Khaled fled back to Syria post the murder and currently resides there with another woman. Despite being tried in absentia, he received a 30-year prison term. Ryan’s brothers were also convicted for aiding in the murder and were sentenced to 20 years each.
Despite appearing integrated in society, tensions arose within the family over Ryan’s dress and behavior. Her mother disclosed that Khaled had sent violent messages from her phone, branding Ryan derogatory terms and insinuating her involvement in the murder. She described Khaled as abusive and a source of fear for the family.
Iman, one of Ryan’s sisters, further described Khaled as authoritarian and unreasonable, creating a fearful environment at home. She recounted instances of violence and threats within the family. Ryan’s rebellious behavior stemmed from her desire to fit in, causing clashes with her father over her changing lifestyle choices.
Iman also mentioned that Ryan faced bullying at school due to her hijab, which led to a shift in her demeanor. The family dynamics were fraught with tension and fear due to Khaled’s harsh and unpredictable nature, ultimately culminating in the tragic loss of Ryan’s life.
