Yonadam Kanna reveals Christians's conditions in Iraq

The head of the Christian Rafidain bloc, MP Yonadam Kanna, stressed that the post-ISIS is an important stage that must be emphasized and prepared for, at all levels, not only with regard to the Christian component, but all the components of the sons of Nineveh.

The Iraqi MP added, in interview with Arabs Today, that  the Christian component in Nineveh and other religious minorities experienced tragic and difficult conditions because of the war against ISIS and the organization's entry into their areas, especially in the Nineveh plain, which is inhabited by Christ, Chaldean Assyrians, Azzidis and others.

Kanna explained that the displaced from the left coast of Mosul returned to their areas only two months after the end of military operations now in their homes, but Christians did not return to their areas for several reasons. "The most important of which is the classification of those areas in the Iraqi constitution "disputed" between the central government and the Kurdistan region vulnerable to armed conflicts and proliferation of weapons, as well as the existence of armed groups now of some minorities and components, which means the absence of law and use of weapons," he added.

He expressed regret for the incidents in these areas, stressing that the will of the citizens must be respected and let them choose their fate either to stay under the authority of the federal government in Baghdad or to join the Kurdistan region as written in the Iraqi constitution.

The MP revealed that the Christian component is still feeling the injustice, exclusion and marginalization by the government of Baghdad.

On the reality of Christians in the capital Baghdad and other provinces, Yonadem Kanna said that their situation is very difficult and most Christians emigrated from Baghdad because of the deterioration of the security situation in recent years, as well as the war with ISIS organization and the attendant consequences.

He revealed the existence of gangs specializing in the theft of houses in the capital Baghdad, seized the houses and properties of Christians after their emigration from 2003 to now, in collusion with some employees in the real estate records and the Ministry of Justice.

Kanna stressed that Iraqi government is seeking to face these powerful gangs, but in reality, it is not successful in their endeavors, and the actions taken by them is not feasible and have not been able to date to end the file of abuses on our property.

He called on the Iraqi government to tighten the procedures in this regard and to identify severe penalties against those who refuse to return property and stolen homes.

He added that the Christians will return to Iraq if things get back to normal, because this is their homeland and no one can leave his home and remains an immigrant in these circumstances in which displaced people live both inside the country or abroad.