ICC Note: Reports have emerged from Iraq of what is happening to prisoners being held by ISIS fighters in Iraq. According to one church leader, two churches have been used as prison and torture chambers for prisoners. Another man claimed that three had died while being held in the prison. ISIS continues to impose its harsh measures on all those in areas where it controls.
12/15/2014 Iraq (Christian Today) Churches in Qaraqosh, Iraq captured by Islamic State militants are now being used as torture chambers, according to a priest from Mosul.
Abu Aasi, told The Sunday Times that Bahnam Wa Sara and Al Kiama churches in Qaraqosh were being used to hold prisoners. The majority-Christian city was captured by IS in August, forcing tens of thousands to flee to Erbil.
“These two churches are being used as prisons and for torture,” Aasi said from his hiding place in Baghdad.
“Most inside are Christians and they are being forced to convert to Islam. Isis have been breaking all the crosses and statues of Mary.”
Aasi added that three Christian prisoners had died because they were sick and had been neglected.
While the claims could not be independently verified, they add to reports of churches in Mosul being used as prisons.
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