Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Baghdad (Fides Service)- “The international press gives ample space to non Iraqis taken hostage by terrorists in Iraq” Fr Nizar, a Catholic priest in Mosul told Fides. “This is right because human life is sacred. But I would like to say that this ignoble crime is also committed against citizens of Iraq. It has become a business and the people are the ones to pay”.
“This is kidnapping to make money, it has nothing to do with politics and it makes life unbearable for Iraqis” Fr. Nizar said. “The hostages are owners of small businesses or simply employees”.
“The kidnappers chose their target carefully according to the economic situation of the family. For example a man who owns a small factory should make about 10,000 dollars a month. Once the hostage has been taken the bartering begins. The criminals start by asking for 50,000 dollars ransom, but eventually agree to settle for 20,000 dollars.” Father Nizar said.
“Many Iraqis have lost their life savings because of kidnapping. Ordinary state officials and employees are also abducted and us all their savings to buy their freedom” Father Nizar said.
“Not a day passes without a kidnapping. If I think that at least 30-40 civilians are killed every day I ask when will this massacre stop? The police forces are trying to defeat these criminal gangs as it can be seen by a daily television programme which reports on authorities’ progress to arrest criminals, with interviews of captured bandits. But more must be done”.
“The situation is also because just before the war Saddam Hussein, declared an amnesty, and thousands of criminals released from prison formed gangs” the Iraqi priest said.
“Besides kidnapping, drug trafficking is also spreading in Iraq and this is because there is not enough border control. Border control is necessary to prevent drugs, arms and terrorists from entering Iraq” Fr Nizar concluded (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/3/2005 righe 36 parole 435)
