I wrote this article a few years back and am just now placing it on steemit.
I am appalled, horrified and disgusted that a number of young people were recently stoned to death in Iraq. Their crime: they were young and were not conforming properly. These young people were described as "emo".
What is an emo? Well, there doesn't appear to be a concrete definition. It apparently started as a result of punk music and over time, some fans began to wear dark clothing and makeup, wear hair that covered their eyes, etc. Emo is short for emotional. Some say emos are known to cut on themselves.
What is being stoned to death? No, this is not meant to be marijuana related. Generally speaking, the person is first buried up to the head/neck region. Then, rocks/stones are thrown at the individual until the person dies from the impacts and subsequent wounds. Most of us think of stoning in ancient, Biblical terms but in fact it does occur in today's world. If emos were being killed in Portland, OR., near where I live, it would decimate the local youth population...
I thought they had somewhat of a democratic government there now in Iraq? I do remember seeing images of people voting---showing the ink on their thumbs that was used to cast their vote. Many USA military have been killed in Iraq to bring them a semblance of freedom and a chance to join the family of man. These stonings are thus all the more shocking and disappointing.
These young people are being killed primarily in Shiite neighborhoods in line with how some interpret Sharia law. A Shiite neighborhood is a place were many Shia muslims live. Shia Islam is the 2nd largest denomination of Islam. Sharia Law is the moral code and religious law of Islam. I'm not saying stoning is a part of Sharia law; I just don't know. It is true however that some followers of Islam do see stoning as appropriate per the teachings of Sharia.
Furthermore, it seems the Shia neighborhoods in question are in or near Sadr City. This is an area that was especially problematic for USA troops per our efforts there. The most influential person governing there (perhaps he is still in charge?) was Muqtada Al Sadr. He was in the news a great deal when Sadr City was a flashpoint per the United States invasion/occupation of Iraq. Muqtada is a Shia Muslim. Muqtada has apparently stated that stoning is not the best way to deal with the emos. It is unclear if the stoning is tacitly endorsed by the governing officials of Sadr City or if it is being done by a rogue group of criminals/terrorists.
Other young people have recently been severely injured per stoning. Leaflets have been distributed with names of other young people who are wanted. Information has been distributed warning young people not to dress emo style or that they will experience similar consequences.
High ranking government officials in Iraq deny that young people have been stoned for being "emo". They say these stories have been fabricated by the media...which is possible I suppose. As for the reports, I believe they are true.
Here are a few links
90 students in Iraq stoned to death for having 'Emo hair and tight clothes'
Young Iraqi men stoned to death for Western, gay, Emo appearance
Shot, stoned, beaten to death: Iraqi militias unleash hate war on gay 'emo' teens
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