Christians in Mosul told: leave, convert, or die

July 18, 2014

Christians in Mosul, Iraq, have been told that they must leave, convert to Islam or accept dhimmitude, or die.

A communique from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) gave Christians a deadline of July 19, saying that if they do not leave or accept Islamic rule, "their destiny is the sword." The Aleteia web site, citing local sources, said that this message was being broadcast on loudspeakers by mosques in Mosul.

Bishop Saad Sirop, an auxiliary of the Chaldean Catholic patriarchate in Baghdad, told Aid to the Church in Need: "In the last hours, the jihadists of ISIL have forced the few remaining Christians in Iraq's second city to leave their homes."

Those who do leave the city have been stopped at checkpoints, where jihadists have confiscated some of their possessions and even their vehicles. In Mosul, homes belonging to Christians are being marked by jihadists, to be taken over and looted. ISIL has ordered that Christians may not be given food from relief shipments.

 

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Further information:

• Christians Reportedly Given Ultimatum in Mosul: Convert, Leave or Die (Aleteia)
• IRAK: un décret de l’état islamique provoque l’exil des derniers chrétiens de Mossoul (ACN)
• Report: ISIL orders no food aid for Christians in Mosul (CWN, 7/16)