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11/04/2024 01:17:41 pm

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Islamic State Releases Video Of Yazidis’ Conversion To Islam

Yazidi protesters

(Photo : REUTERS/Rodi Said) Yazidis raise signs in a protest to call for their evacuation from the Middle East and an end to what they say is violence against their community, at Nowruz refugee camp in Qamishli, northeastern Syria, August 17, 2014.

The Islamic State released a video that shows Yazidis converting to Islam shortly after posting the video of American journalist James Foley's beheading.

The video entitled "Hundreds of Yazidis convert to Islam" was shot in Kawju and Mt. Sinjar possibly during the militants' siege of the mountain.

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The video did not show any signs of bloodshed or resistance, particularly in the village of Kawju where the massacre of 80 Yazidis took place. It only showed two Islamic State members being interviewed and featuring the enlightenment of Yazidis who converted to their religion.

A middle-aged IS member said the Yazidis who converted, including children, were happy with their decision. He encouraged other Yazidis to descend the mountain and join them and added that if they stayed on the mountain, they would starve because the promised aid from the U.S. and the international community is a lie.

The IS member went on to say they were "misunderstood" and that what people know about them is different from reality. He said they provided the Yazidis with what they need.

One scene in the video showed Yazidis hugging the militants. Another scene depicted hundreds of Yazidis sitting on the floor during what appeared to be a conversion ceremony.  The leader said that after the ritual, they will become Muslims and they will possess certain rights.

The Yazidis of the Kurdish minority belong to an ancient religion that existed long before Islam was established. This made them the militants' target for Islamic conversion.  

According to experts, the Yazidis are the group most affected in the conflict in northern Iraq. Many of them were displaced from their ancient homeland, Mt. Sinjar, when they fled safety.

The minority group also suffered deaths of loved ones in the massacre in Kawju village.

While there were some Yazidis who converted to Islam, by force or freewill, those who have escaped called for their expatriation from the Middle East.

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