Sun. March 11, 2012
Baghdad -
More than a 50 gay or believed to be gay Iraqi teenagers have been brutally murdered in Baghdad in the past month as anti-gay violence grows in Iraq.
Human rights groups estimate as many as 58 Iraqis have been beaten to death or shot in the last month alone.
The teenagers, who are often considered to be devil worshipers, are called "emos" and dress in what Americans might consider a punk or goth style and listen to Western rock music. The term "emo" is also associated with homosexuality.
Their attackers are members of the conservative Shiite militias. Members of the "Brigades of Anger" are posting signs listing 22 kids they say should be "punished."
The Shiite militia hit list read, "We warn in the strongest terms to every male and female debauchee. If you do not stop this dirty act within four days, then the punishment of God will fall on you at the hands of Mujahideen."
Some of the victims have been shot, while others were beaten or stoned to death.
Human rights groups say that police are refusing to let paramedics help the victims and that police are helping suspects cover up the crimes. There are no statistics to show how prevalent the violence is.
Like many places in the Muslim world, homosexuality, which although is legal, is taboo in Iraq. Anyone perceived to be gay is considered a target.
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