An Iraqi shared concerns over what he termed as a “campaign of killings and deportations” against Christians who live in the northern city of Mosul. The police reported seven Christians were killed in separate attacks this month alone.

Mosul Iraqi police reported finding the bullet filled bodies of seven Christians 225 miles northwest of Baghdad. These attacks were reported as all being separate. The victims include a teenager, a person who owned a clothing store, a pharmacy employee, a handicapped man who also owned a spare parts store, and two other day laborers, according to the police report. Their religion was listed on their government-issued ID cards.

Chaldean Archbishop Louis Sako said in a statement “We are worried about the campaign of killings and deportations against the Christian citizens in Mosul. Such violations are damaging the national unity. The Christians want only to live in peace and harmony and to work together with all Iraqis for the benefit of Iraq.” Iraq’s population of 26 million people includes about 800,000 Christians.

Sako is located in the northern city of Kirkuk and has been the overseer of the Christian community in Mosul since the killing of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho. Rahho was kidnapped following Mass and his body was found in March. 

Although overall violence nation-wide has been on the decline, Christians are still concerned over these deaths. Since  the 2003 U.S. invasion, Islamic extremists have attacked frequently, forcing tens of thousands to leave the country.

The local authorities in Mosul have been accused of failing to protect the Christian population by Iraq's main Christian political group, The Iraqi Democratic Assyrian Movement. 

The group said in a statement “We call upon the government to shoulder its responsibilities in providing security and in stopping the bloodshed of innocent people.” 

Christian leaders fear being further sidelined in the Islamic country and want the Iraqi parliament to pass a law stating they would set aside a number of seats for minorities in upcoming provincial elections.

---

Users' Comments (0)

Add your comment