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ISIS Begins Imposing Poll Tax on Christians in Mosul
BAGHDAD, IRAQ (Worthy News)-- The High Commission for Human Rights in Iraq has confirmed that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant has begun imposing the jizya or poll tax on Christians in Mosul, according to the Assyrian International News Agency.
According to the Qur'an, Muhammad had decreed that people of other religions had to pay a poll tax to Muslims for as long as they lived under Islam as a reminder of their inferior status.
Salama AlKhafaji, a member of the High Commission, said ISIS was imposing a minimum payment of $250 upon Christians that varies depending on their profession.
"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 AlKhafaji. "Citizens are at a loss now as to how to make ends meet".
AlKhafaji denounced this situation and called upon the Iraqi government and the international community to put an end to it.