Source: MISNA
"People in Iraq are being kidnapped all the time….Overall security, after the occupation, has degenerated to such an extent that nobody feels safe. This war must end as it has thrown the country into chaos”. So said father Pius Afas, one of the two priests who were kidnapped last October 13 in Mosul and released last Sunday to MISNA: “I do not believe that those who kidnapped us were part of an organization; I’m almost sure they were common criminals looking for money”. He added, “as for the ransom, I don’t want to talk about it…, but I stress that money was the motive behind the kidnapping. This was in no way related to confessional violence”. Father Pius, held prisoner with his fellow brother Mazen Ishoa and three others, said: “Muslims, who were also released upon the payment of a ransom are likely also celebrating their release”. He added that “news of the release brought much relief to the community and many people have come to show their affection” said father Afas who concluded by saying: “before the fall of Saddam Hussein, there were many problems in Iraq, but hatred among the various religious denominations was never a problem; we thought that we were living badly, under a dictatorship, but at least we could leave the house”.