Islamic State Demands Tax From Christians; Rapes Those Who Can't Pay
By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent
MOSUL, IRAQ (Worthy News)– The Islamic State (IS) has been brutally enforcing Islamic laws in Mosul, according to the Assyrian International News Agency.
Islam's prophet, Muhammad, had decreed that people of other religions had to pay a poll tax (jizya) to Muslims as a reminder of their inferior status.
Salama al Khafaji, a member of the High Commission, said IS was imposing a minimum payment of $250 upon all Christians in Mosul.
"The economic situation in Mosul is extremely difficult, and there are no financial resources, or job opportunities except for vegetable shops, any other businesses are non-existent," said al Khafaji. "Citizens are at a loss now as to how to make ends meet".
According to al Khafaji, when IS members entered the home of an Assyrian family in Mosul to demand their tribute, the family protested because they didn't have the money. So instead, IS members raped the mother and daughter in front of the head of the household who was so traumatized by the attack that he later committed suicide.
"The Christians have told me that they cannot pay this tax," said al Khafaji, "and they say 'What am I to do? Shall I kill myself?'"