A horrific execution of two innocent Scandinavian female students took place in mid-December 2018 in the Atlas Mountains. On December 8, 24-year-old Danish student Luisa Vestrager Jespersen and her 28-year-old Norwegian classmate Maren Ueland had arrived in Morocco to explore the country as backpackers. Both were avid hikers who had set up their tents in Toubkal National Park, not far from the town of Imlil. This was a popular starting point for hikes up Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains. The two friends had prepared thoroughly for the trip, determined to celebrate Christmas together in Morocco. But the journey turned out to be a nightmare that ended fatally for both of them. Three men, who were camping just 30 meters away from the two women, literally slaughtered them. They dragged the two women out of their tents and then beheaded them with a long knife. The gruesome execution was filmed on a cell phone. After the murder, the perpetrators pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the jihadist militia Islamic State, in a video. In another video, they showed the beheading of one of the two victims, referring to her as one of the “heads of God’s enemies.” The bodies of the two beheaded women were found in the town of Imlil, 10 kilometers away. The brutal execution sent shockwaves throughout the entire country. Many Moroccans held vigils for the two innocent female students who were killed. The horrific act was carried out in revenge for the recent deaths of IS brothers in Hajine, Syria—an IS stronghold that had been bombed. The Islamist-motivated murder sparked horror around the world. The three main perpetrators were 25-year-old Eijoud Abdessamad, 27-year-old Younes Ouziad, and 33-year-old Rachid Afatti. A total of 24 men were brought before the court in the Moroccan city of Salé on charges of murder, illegal possession of weapons, and forming a terrorist group. The terrorist group consisted of Islamic clerics, former convicts, and a Swiss convert of Spanish descent who had maintained contact with ISIS in Syria via coded messages. However, ISIS never claimed responsibility for the brutal beheading of the two Scandinavian female students. The accomplices of the three main defendants received prison sentences ranging from 5 to 30 years. The three main defendants themselves, who expressed remorse for their actions, were sentenced to death. Although the death penalty is imposed in Morocco, it is generally not carried out.
Welcome to my journey through creativity and discovery! My name is Isabella Mueller, and I invite you to explore the fascinating creative universes I create through my blogs. Since 2020, I have been dedicating my passion to telling captivating stories that are mysterious, historical, and emotional. My goal is not only to entertain, but also to inspire reflection and awaken the spirit of discovery in each of us. At isabellas.blog, the suspense of crime stories is combined with exciting travel tips. Imagine wandering through the picturesque streets of a new city, uncovering dark secrets hidden in the shadows of its history. Every piece on my blog is designed to make the heart of every crime fiction fan beat faster while sparking curiosity about unknown places. Here, you are invited to experience the thrill of the unknown and the beauty of our world—a perfect combination for all adventure seekers! My second blog, akteq.com, is all about true, unsolved crime stories. Under the motto “akteQ: Cold Case Stories,” I reveal the eerie and often tragic stories behind unsolved cases. Together, we can explore the mysteries of the past and delve deep into the human psyche. What really happened? Who were the people behind these mysterious events? In this blog, I invite you to ask questions and find the answers that often remain hidden in the dark. You can find another exciting chapter in my blogging career at thecastles.org. Here, I embark on an enchanting journey through the history of castles and palaces. Pause for a moment as you discover the stories hidden within the walls of these ancient structures. “Explore the enchantment, discover the history – your journey begins at thecastles.org!” These words are more than just a slogan; they are an invitation to anyone who wants to combine history and magic. Be inspired by the impressive stories and the fascination of bygone eras! But that's not all! At kripo.org, you'll find a comprehensive online magazine for real criminal cases. Immerse yourself in the world of crime, learn about the real stories behind the headlines and the people who are involved in solving them. With criminal.energy, I take you on a journey through the gripping stories of true crimes in which villains are hunted, caught, and convicted. The search for justice and the confrontation with the unknown are at the center of it all. TrueCrime Blog 187.news takes you into the depths of crime. And for those who want to travel the world, wanderlust.plus offers the opportunity to explore the world, one adventure at a time. It's all about the love of exploration and the joy of discovering new cultures and landscapes. Finally, truecrime.ch invites you to discover the dark side of Switzerland and Europe: true crimes, true stories. Let's discover together the stories that shape the world around us. I look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey and hope you will share many unforgettable moments with me!
Isabella Mueller (crime writer)
