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Mosul (Agenzia Fides) - The north-Iraqi city of Mosul is no longer under the control of the jihadist militias of the Islamic State since July. But at University, students still have to adapt, at least in part, to Islamic traditions and rules in the way of dressing. A great sign posted at the University entrance (see photo) reminds students of the type of clothing and hairstyle they need to observe to enter the university buildings and follow the lessons. The mandatory "dress code" prescribes the use of the veil to all students, Muslim or non-Muslim.
The University has resumed its activities and students have begun to attend courses, although large sections of university buildings were destroyed by the bombing and have not yet been renovated. In addition to the logistical disadvantages, Christian students - says Ankawa Information Agency - express concern about the intolerant strict behaviour expressed by some of their Muslim colleagues.
At the University of Mosul, the pressure exerted by Islamist radicalism had forced many Christian students to wear the veil already from 2004-2005, long before the city fell into the hands of Daesh. Now, after the tragic parenthesis of the jihadist regime, codes of conduct and provisions that seem to be related to a project of Islamization of social life, have come into force. While the signs of the growing "disappointment" of local Christian communities over the effects of military campaigns conducted to defeat the selfish Islamic State are multiplying. (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 20/10/2017)
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