Mosul (Agenzia Fides) - In the city of Mosul, captured by jihadist militants of the Islamic State (IS) in June, Christian churches continue to be turned into prisons.
Last weekend, the jihadists of the IS transferred at least 150 prisoners, blindfolded and handcuffed, to the ancient monastery of St. George, which belonged to the Order of St. Anthony Sant'Ormisda of the Chaldeans. This is what local sources report. The prisoners, previously held in the prison in Badush - were evacuated in anticipation of a possible attack by the anti-Caliphate coalition.
The latest photos of the monastery circulating on the internet document that the cross of the dome of St. George has been removed.
"The news and photos of churches occupied by jihadists - says Rebwar Audish Basa, Procurator of the Order of St. Anthony sant'Ormisda of the Chaldeans to Agency Fides – worsen the suffering of Christians who have fled from Mosul and Nineveh Plain and are preparing to spend the first Christmas away from those places they love. Churches and monasteries now suffer profanation by those who do not have to show any mercy, for nothing and nobody". (GV) (Agenzia Fides 18/12/2014)