Source: SIR
Thirty leaders of Shiite Arab communities from Southern Iraq along with some Sunni religious chiefs have come to Kirkuk this morning to assure the local Christian community of their closeness and solidarity after the assassination of Imad Elia Abdul Karim, the 55-year-old Christian nurse who was kidnapped on 3 October. The news was relayed to the SIR by archbishop of Kirkuk Mgr Louis Sako. “Sunni and Shiite religious leaders coming from regions like Najef and Karbala have expressed us their sympathy condemning the attacks against Christians and urging the government to protect the inhabitants. Many people from Kirkuk have also come to visit us”. As soon as he heard the news of the kidnapping of Imad Elias, Mgr Sako appealed to the authorities asking for his liberation. He also called the situation of the Christian community in Iraq “worrying" for Christians more and more subject to threats and violence. Christians are Iraqi citizens and, as such, want to contribute to the well-being of the country." The fear fuelled by this tragic event is forcing many Christian families to flee the country.