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Muslims Arrested for Throwing Christian Immigrants into Sea

  • Carrie Dedrick Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated Apr 17, 2015

Fifteen African Muslims have been arrested after reportedly throwing Christians overboard from a boat that was taking 105 migrants from Libya to Italy. Fox News reports 12 Christians were thrown to sea following a brawl with the Muslims; none of the Christians survived.

Witnesses said the Christian migrants from Nigeria and Ghana were threatened with being abandoned at sea by Muslim immigrants from the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali and Guinea Bissau. Italian police said the motive for the assault was that the victims “professed Christian faith while the aggressors were Muslim.” 

According to Fox, the attackers have been accused of multiple homicide aggravated by religious hatred. 

Other Christians aboard the boat say they avoided the drowning attempt by forming a human chain. 

Thousands of African migrants have recently attempted the risky journey from Libya to Italy, hoping to take advantage of the calm waters. Earlier this week, a boat containing about 400 people capsized; those on board are believed to have drowned. 

Publication date: April 17, 2015