By Persecution.org (International Christian Concern)
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the Interior
Ministry of Iraq’s Central Government issued a statement May 24, 2018
saying that it was “taking legal measures against people publicly breaking their Fast (during the day time) and referring them to the judiciary.”
A local news source reports that the maximum jail sentence for
breaking the Ramadan Fast is six months in prison. Qasim al-Araji, head
of the Interior Ministry, is also a senior member of the Badr
Organization, a Shi’ite militia group reliant on Iranian support. The
Organization’s violent reputation includes a long history of aggravating
religious conflicts.
Iraq’s Christians are targeted during periods of religious tensions,
and Ramadan is an especially sensitive time. Many Christians report
experiencing social harassment and even aggression during Ramadan. A
Christian living in Erbil’s Ankawa neighborhood, notes how he “remembers
it was fine to eat publicly in Ankawa years ago because it is Christian
area. Not anymore. Actually, it was not allowed for Muslims to come and
have a house in Ankawa, but now it is a preferable area for Muslims and
there are a lot of Muslims who have connections and they are getting
permissions.”
Another Christian recalls how “two years ago in Ankawa, someone
was about to hit me with a big wrench because I was drinking water
publicly… I believe so many others (have) experienced the same thing.”
Fasting regulations can lead to business closures and exacerbate the
struggle of Christian IDPs seeking to meet basic needs. For example, one
Christian from Qaraqosh recalls how during displacement “Ramadan is
something we liked and hated at the same time. We liked the TV program
because it is so special, but… all the restaurants closed all the day,
people were hungry and angry.”
A priest from Baghdad shared with ICC: “We respect Ramadan very
much because it is the holy month of our brothers and sisters in the
country and we want to promote this belief (of respect).”
“I think if we could learn how to respect each other, the
importance of eating in public will be neglected because the Muslims
will respect the freedom of Christians and the Christians will feel
comfortable to sacrifice sometimes,” the priest continued. “I think the
Ministry of Interior’s statement is not as important as the importance
of educating the police officers at all levels how to manage a
country.”
ICC Regional Manager Claire Evans said, “Ramadan is an extremely
sensitive time for Christians in the Middle East. Most will change their
daily lifestyle and publicly fast alongside their Muslim neighbors in
order to protect their security. It is disappointing that Iraq’s
government would choose to reinforce religiously motivated social
hostilities against Christians. Less than a year has passed since the
military defeat of ISIS. It is precisely because Christians are not
given religious freedom protections and lack guarantees of security that
so many have left Iraq. The government must take the lead in protecting
the right of Christians to safely and freely exercise their faith.”