Iraq has sentenced to death by hanging a Russian who fought for Islamic State in Mosul, in the first such ruling on a foreign fighter and one which could set a precedent.
The man admitted to being a member of the jihadist group and “carrying out terrorist operations” against Iraqi security forces since 2015, according to a statement released by Baghdad's central criminal court.
He was charged under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, which provides for death by hanging or firing squad.
Most suspected local Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) members are being tried in northern Iraq, however most foreigners have been taken south to Baghdad.
While the number of detainees has not been made public, several hundred non-Iraqis are thought to currently be being held by Iraqi authorities.
General Yahya Rasool, a spokesman for Joint Operations Command, said the Russian was "the first (jihadist) to surrender" to Iraqi forces in west Mosul, scene of the most ferocious battles.
The 28-year-old fighter was said to have been captured after running out of ammunition.
The Russian was handed over to Iraqi intelligence and then to judicial authorities, said Gen Rasool.
During his interrogation, the Russian said he had studied engineering and discovered Islam in Moscow, where Uzbek construction workers introduced him to the religion.
After obtaining his degree in 2014, the Russia said he travelled to Turkey with the intention of entering Syria to join Isil
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