Written by The crime of Islamic militias in Iraq against Atheist and other minorities
Iraq has long been a battleground for conflicts, wars, and terrorist activities. These conflicts have had severe consequences for the country’s minorities, including atheists and members of the LGBT community. The rise of Islamic militias and radical Islamic groups has led to an increase in violence and persecution against these minority groups, forcing many to flee the country or hide their identities for fear of retribution.
The crimes committed by Islamic militias and radical Islamic groups against minorities in Iraq can be traced back to the US-led invasion in 2003, which toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein. The invasion led to a power vacuum in the country, which was exploited by various extremist groups, including the Islamic State (IS), which rose to prominence in 2014 and controlled large parts of Iraq until its defeat in 2017.
Persecution of Atheists by extremist groups
One of the most brutal crimes committed against minorities in Iraq is the persecution of atheists. Islamic militias and radical groups view atheism as a violation of Islamic law and often subject atheists to extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, torture, and rape. Many atheists are forced to hide their beliefs, and those who are open about their atheism risk being targeted by extremist groups.
The public execution of a young man in Baghdad in 2016 is one of the most notorious incidents involving the persecution of atheists in Iraq. The man was accused of being an atheist and was publicly beheaded by a group of IS militants. The execution was captured on video and circulated on social media, sparking outrage and condemnation from around the world.
Other incidents involving the persecution of atheists in Iraq include the kidnapping and torture of a 21-year-old atheist in Baghdad in 2015. The man was held captive for three days and was subjected to beatings, electric shocks, and other forms of torture before he was released. There have also been reports of atheists being targeted by the PMU, who have abducted people from their homes and held them in secret detention centers, where they are subjected to similar forms of torture.
The agony of LGBT communities in Islamic states
Similarly, members of the LGBT community are subjected to harassment, intimidation, and violence by both state and non-state actors. Homosexuality is illegal in Iraq, and LGBT individuals are often targeted by Islamic militias and radical groups. They have been known to carry out extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, and torture against LGBT individuals.
The public execution of two men in Mosul in 2017 is one of the most notorious incidents involving the persecution of LGBT individuals in Iraq. The men were accused of being gay and were thrown off a tall building as a crowd of onlookers cheered. The execution was captured on video and circulated on social media, sparking outrage and condemnation from around the world.
Crimes of Islamic Militia
In conclusion, the crimes committed by Islamic militias and radical groups against atheists and LGBT individuals in Iraq are a grave violation of human rights. The international community must take urgent action to protect the rights of minorities in Iraq and hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable. Donor countries should provide support to human rights.
Organizations working to protect the rights of minorities in Iraq, the United Nations and other international organizations should also press the Iraqi government to take action to protect the rights of minorities and hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable.
