Lirim Sylejmani, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Kosovo, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for receiving military training from the Islamic State (ISIS). He also faces a lifetime of supervised release following his prison term.
Background and Charges
- Sylejmani moved to Chicago about 25 years ago.
- In November 2015, he traveled with his family to Syria by way of Turkey to join ISIS.
- He received military training with ISIS recruits and fought in at least one battle against U.S.-led forces.
- Sylejmani was injured in a fight with Syrian forces in June 2016.
- He was captured with his family in Baghouz, Syria, in February 2019.
- He pleaded guilty in December to receiving military training from a foreign terrorist organization.
Prosecutors’ Statement
Prosecutors emphasized that his actions were deliberate, highlighting that Sylejmani endangered his family by bringing them to a war zone to join ISIS.
Defense’s Position
Sylejmani’s lawyers argue that he is not a committed extremist and does not support violence. They say he regrets his choices and is deeply remorseful, especially for the suffering of his family, who remain detained in harsh conditions at a refugee camp in Syria. The defense hopes for him to complete his sentence and reunite with his family to live a peaceful life.