Militant group's video urges Iraq's Yazidis to convert to Islam
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 August 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Militant group's video urges Iraq's Yazidis to convert to Islam, 21 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003f4914.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 21, 2014
The militant group Islamic State has issued a video that appears aimed to deflect criticism and exhort Iraq's minority Yazidis to convert to Islam.
The propaganda film's release comes amid widespread condemnation of Islamic State over the beheading of American journalist James Foley in a video issued on August 19 and the killings of hundreds of Yazidi men, women, and children.
During an advance through northern Iraq, Islamic State militants have stormed into villages and demanded Yazidis convert to Islam or die.
The video purports to show dozens of Yazidi men converting to Islam. It shows a black-clad fighter with an assault rifle saying that many depictions of Islamic State are "the opposite of reality" and that many Yazidis are "are happy with their conversions."
The fighter adds, "If they convert, we will give them everything they need. They will live a happy life."
Based on reporting by Reuters and Sky News
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
