Syriac Catholic Priest Recounts Harrowing Kidnapping Ordeal in Mosul

A Syriac Catholic priest has shared his harrowing experience of being kidnapped by armed militants in the Iraqi city of Mosul. The priest, who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, was abducted in 2014 during the Islamic State's occupation of the city.

According to the priest, he was taken from his church at gunpoint by a group of masked men. "They burst into the church during morning prayers and forced me into a waiting car," he recounted. The militants then blindfolded him and drove him to an unknown location.

For the next several weeks, the priest endured brutal interrogations and torture at the hands of his captors. "They demanded that I renounce my faith and convert to Islam," he said. "When I refused, they beat me and subjected me to all kinds of humiliations."

Despite the physical and psychological trauma, the priest remained steadfast in his beliefs. "I knew that if I gave in to their demands, I would be betraying not only myself but also my community and my God," he explained.

Why this matters: The kidnapping of religious leaders by extremist groups remains a serious threat to religious freedom and security in many parts of the world. The resilience and courage demonstrated by this priest in the face of such adversity serves as an inspiration to those facing persecution for their faith.

After nearly two months in captivity, the priest was unexpectedly released by his captors. "To this day, I don't know why they let me go," he said. "Perhaps they realized that I would never give in to their demands."

Since his release, the priest has been working to support other victims of religious persecution in Iraq. "My experience has only strengthened my resolve to serve my community and to stand up for what I believe in," he stated. The priest's experience is a sobering reminder of the continuing difficulties religious minorities face in war-torn areas worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Syriac Catholic priest kidnapped at gunpoint in Mosul, Iraq in 2014.
• Endured brutal interrogation, torture, and demands to renounce his faith.
• Remained steadfast despite physical and psychological trauma.
• Unexpectedly released after nearly two months in captivity.
• Now works to support other victims of religious persecution in Iraq.