• Friday, 29 March 2024
logo

Iraqi Church Leader Threatens to Sue Militia Leader for Human Rights Abuses and Property Theft

Iraqi Church Leader Threatens to Sue Militia Leader for Human Rights Abuses and Property Theft

Iraqi Chaldean Catholic Church's Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako Threatens to Sue Iran-Backed Militia Leader for Human Rights Abuses Against Christians

The leader of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, has threatened to take Iran-backed militia leader Rayan al-Kildani to an international court for human rights abuses against Christians.

Al-Kildani, who leads the Babylon Movement and its affiliate Kataib Babiliyoun, has been accused of stealing properties belonging to Christians, rocket attacks against US and Kurdish forces, and stealing artifacts from the Mar Behnam Monastery and homes.

Although the militia presents itself as a Christian military unit, most of its members are Shiite Muslims from Baghdad, Sadr City, Al-Muthanna, and Dhi Qar. Al-Kildani was designated by the US Treasury for human rights abuses in 2019.

Patriarch Sako called for the Iraqi government to take action against the militia leader and accused him of dominating the affairs of Iraq's religious minority.

In a phone call with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the Kurdish premier expressed support for the Christian community across Iraq, including Nineveh Plains.

By Kobin Ferhad

Top