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He collects stories from ISIS ongoing genocide
The violence and persecution directed against Christians by ISIS is now documented for the first time by the organization Schlomo. Over 45 000 testimonies on assaults, rapes, enforced conversions and expulsion are being collected, aiming to put an end to violence and bring the persecutors to justice.
Svensk version av texten: Han samlar berättelser om Islamiska statens folkmord
– We need to bring these criminals to court, says Khalis Ayshoa Esttaifo, former member of the Parliament and initiator to the documentation of the assault on Christians in Iraq.
Approximately 60 volunteers have been working with Schlomo for the last four months collecting evidence, according to Khalis Ayshoa Esttaifo. Some of the volunteers have been working up to 14 hours every day, collecting evidence and meeting victims. The documentation includes photos, films and reports.
The documentation includes, among other things, a list of 51 Iraqi Christians recently kidnapped and being held captive by ISIS. Further, a list of 1 131 Christians killed in Iraq for religious reason between 2003 and 2014 is set up (before the attack of ISIS). The list reveals names, dates, places and procedure.
– A majority of those killed were young persons, says Khalis Ayshoa Esttaifo.
Visiting the small office in company of Lars Adaktusson, member of European Parliament and Swedish politician, we find the testimonies collected in folders and binders. On the wall, a collection of testimonies from different villages tells the stories of its people. 94 families who fled the small Christian village Telskuf on Nineveh have been interviewed. Today, the village is a ghost Town.
It is difficult to find precise information about the number killed during the past two years. Documentation can be crucial regarding the possibilities to bring those responsible to account at the International Court of Justice in den Haag, Netherlands, responsible for questions on Genocide and crime against humanity.
The documentation project is financed by private sponsors, among others the initiator. All data is stored digitally.
– It is an impressive and very important work, says Lars Adaktusson commenting on the documentation.
Data from the documentation made by Schlomo has formed the basis for a statement from John Kerry, Foreign Minister of the US, calling the attacks on Christians on Nineveh a Genocide. The data is collected in collaboration with catholic and orthodox churches in Iraq.
Translation: Inger Alestig
Thomas Österberg är reporter och stf ansvarig utgivare på Dagen.
