A mother in the Netherlands is speaking out about the tragic death of her daughter, who was drowned by her own father in what is being referred to as an honor killing. Sumaia al Najjar and her family fled Syria in 2016 and sought asylum in the Netherlands, where they lived peacefully until the horrific incident took place. The victim, Ryan, aged 18, was found dead in a park pond, bound and gagged, just a month after her birthday.
The father, Khaled al Najjar, fled back to Syria following the murder and is currently living with another woman. He was tried in absentia and sentenced to 30 years in prison, while Ryan’s brothers, Muhanad and Muhamad, were also convicted for their roles in the crime and received 20-year prison terms.
Despite outward appearances of integration, issues arose within the family due to Ryan’s modernized behavior, which clashed with traditional values. Allegations suggest that the father sent violent messages from Ryan’s phone to implicate her in her own murder. Sumaia al Najjar described her husband as abusive and controlling, instilling fear in the entire family.
Ryan, described as a devout and diligent girl, began to rebel in her teenage years, seeking to break free from conservative norms. Her actions, such as discarding her headscarf and engaging in social activities, reportedly angered her father. The family environment was described as tense and fearful due to the father’s volatile and domineering nature.
Despite the challenges, Sumaia al Najjar believed Ryan would outgrow her rebellious phase and evolve over time. She staunchly holds her husband accountable for the tragedy, expressing deep sorrow and a desire for justice to prevail. The mother disavows any connection to her husband and his family, condemning his actions and advocating for his extradition to face consequences.
In a bid to exonerate his sons, Khaled had reportedly communicated his sole responsibility for Ryan’s murder in written correspondences to local newspapers. However, he never returned to Europe to confront the legal repercussions. Evidence, including DNA under Ryan’s fingernails and the brothers’ presence near the crime scene, pointed to the father’s guilt in orchestrating the heinous act.
Sumaia al Najjar stands by her sons, believing they were not directly involved in Ryan’s death but were complicit by leaving her alone with their father. She deems it unjust for her sons to bear the burden of their father’s crimes and expresses profound grief over the shattered family dynamics caused by the tragedy.