France has extended asylum to Iraqi Christian refugees who have fled their ISIS persecution.
The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham previously demanded that all Christians in Mosul convert to Islam, pay a high tax or die. Thousands of Christians fled the region, seeking freedom to practice their faith.
In a joint message, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said, “We are providing aid to displaced people fleeing from the threats of [an] Islamic State and have sought refuge in Kurdistan. We are ready, if they so desire, to help facilitate asylum on our soil.”
The Muslims who remain in Mosul are now under strict Sharia rules, including the mandatory wearing of full veils for women. In response, many Muslims have also fled the strict rules and harsh punishment of ISIS militants.
Publication date: July 30, 2014
