In a shocking case that has gripped the Netherlands, an 18-year-old girl was brutally murdered by her own father and two brothers. Dutch prosecutors revealed the killing was an 'honour killing', motivated by the family's belief that her modern lifestyle was bringing shame upon them.
The Discovery and the Motive
The victim, Ryan Al Najjar, was reported missing from her home in Joure. Her body was discovered six days later, on 28 May 2024, in a swamp in the northern part of the country. She was found gagged, bound with tape, and submerged. Prosecutors stated that Ryan's family viewed her behaviour as unacceptable. She had stopped wearing a headscarf, interacted with boys, and was active on social media.
The final trigger, according to authorities, was a live video on TikTok. "The immediate cause of her death appears to be a live video on TikTok, showing Ryan without a headscarf and wearing makeup," prosecutors told the court. This act was seen as the ultimate disrespect, leading to a premeditated plan to kill her.
The Night of the Murder
The horrific events unfolded on the night of 21-22 May 2024. Ryan's brothers picked her up from a house in Rotterdam and drove her to a remote, isolated area. Their father, Khaled Al Najjar, joined them there. The murder occurred shortly after midnight.
In a chilling account, the prosecutor described the terror Ryan must have endured. "What must she have feared. In the middle of the night, in complete darkness, in a completely isolated place," he said during the trial. Crucial evidence placed Khaled at the scene: his DNA was found under Ryan's fingernails, indicating a struggle.
Legal Proceedings and Conflicting Claims
Following his arrest, Khaled emailed Dutch media, admitting to killing his daughter but claiming his sons were innocent. However, investigators have strong evidence to the contrary. Intercepted messages prove the brothers' involvement in the plot.
"Khaled was the driving force, but without his sons, Ryan would not have been there at all," prosecutors asserted, highlighting the collective nature of the crime.
The legal process is now moving towards a conclusion. Defence lawyers are set to present their arguments soon. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on 5 January 2026. The brothers each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Their father, Khaled, who will be tried in absentia, could receive up to 25 years.
This tragic case highlights the extreme and violent consequences of enforcing rigid cultural norms, even within Western societies, and has sparked widespread debate about honour-based violence.
