From Lawyer to “Black Widow”: The Life of Fatiha Mejjati Chronicled in New Film “Rabia“
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The film “Rabia,” directed by Mareike Engelhardt, dives into the complex life of Fatiha Mejjati, a woman whose journey took her from a successful legal career in Morocco to becoming a leading figure in ISIS. This compelling drama, starring Belgian actress Lubna Azabal as Mejjati, explores the often-overlooked stories of women drawn into the world of terrorism.
December 2, 2024 – 09:40 – Culture
Mejjati’s life was a stark contrast of extremes. She once thrived as a lawyer in Casablanca, but a dark turn in the 2000s led her down a path of radicalization. Along with her husband, Abdelkrim Mejjati, she joined Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Her husband was purportedly involved in devastating attacks in Casablanca (2003), Madrid (2004) and London (2005) before being killed by police in Saudi Arabia alongside their 11-year-old son in 2005.
Fatiha Mejjati returned to Casablanca with her other son. However, in 2014, she resurfaced in Syria, aligning herself with ISIS. There, she headed the al-Khansa Brigade, a women’s militia, and oversaw “madafas,” houses used for the forced marriage of women.
Those who knew Mejjati described her as both intelligent and power-hungry. After the fall of ISIS, she was captured but managed to escape from a Syrian camp. She passed away in Belgium in 2023. Her story, which has been previously highlighted in a report by the French program 66 Minutes, is now explored in depth in “Rabia,” offering a wider understanding of Mejjati’s life and the complex process of radicalization among women.
“Rabia,” a French-Belgian-German production, premiered in late November to critical acclaim. The film serves as a powerful testament to the intricate nature of radicalization and the roles played by women within terrorist organizations.
What role did Fatiha Mejjati play within ISIS, and how did she earn the nickname “Black Widow”?
## From Lawyer to “Black Widow”: Inside the Life of Fatiha Mejjati
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re delving into the captivating and controversial story of Fatiha Mejjati, whose life journey from successful lawyer to alleged “Black Widow” of Al-Qaeda is now depicted in the new film ”Rabia”. Joining us to discuss is [Guest Name], a [Guest Expertise relevant to the topic]. Welcome.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Fatiha Mejjati’s story is fascinating, to say the least. Can you give us a brief overview of her life before she became known as “The Black Widow”?
**Guest:** Absolutely. Before her affiliation with Al-Qaeda, Fatiha Mejjati was a lawyer in Belgium. [[1](https://www.bladi.net/qui-est-fatiha-mejjati-veuve-noire-qaida-qui-inspire-film-rabia,111817.html)]She had a seemingly normal life but ended up joining ISIS and traveling to Syria. Ultimately, she ended up in the notorious Al-Hol camp in Syria.
**Host:** How did her life transform after joining Al-Qaeda?
**Guest:** That’s where things get complex. According to reports and the film “Rabia,” [[1](https://www.bladi.net/qui-est-fatiha-mejjati-veuve-noire-qaida-qui-inspire-film-rabia,111817.html)]Mejjati became a key figure within the organization, earning her the chilling nickname ”Black Widow.” It’s believed she played a significant role in recruiting and motivating women to join the extremist group.
**Host:** Eventually, Mejjati escaped Al-Hol and returned to Europe. Can you tell us more about that?
**Guest:** Yes, she managed to escape the camp in 2020.
[[1](https://www.bladi.net/qui-est-fatiha-mejjati-veuve-noire-qaida-qui-inspire-film-rabia,111817.html)]Her path back to Europe is shrouded in some mystery, but it highlights the complexities of dealing with individuals who have been involved with terrorist organizations.
**Host:** Sadly, Fatiha Mejjati passed away in 2023. What makes her story so compelling that it warrants a film like “Rabia”?
**Guest:** Mejjati’s story raises important questions about radicalization, the allure of extremism, and the challenges of rehabilitation. “Rabia” aims to shed light on these complex issues by exploring her journey, motivations, and the gray areas that often define individuals involved in such situations.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights on Fatiha Mejjati and the film “Rabia” with us today.
**Guest:** It was my pleasure.
