Mosul Friday preachers arrested for refusing to praise ISIS leader al-Baghdadi
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Islamic States (ISIS) has arrested two preachers in their stronghold of Mosul for violating the group's rules and regulations on Friday sermon preaching.
According to a Kurdish military official east of Mosul, the preachers were arrested for refusing to mention or praise ISIS as required by a new ISIS law issued last week for all mosques where Friday prayers are performed.
Preachers are also required to praise ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdad in their preach.
The two arrested preachers led Friday prayers in Mosul's Falah and Barid neighborhoods.
ISIS has appointed its own Friday preacher in Mosul who conveys the group's message to the local population and encourages support for jihad among people.
Al-Baghdadi himself declared his Islamic caliphate during Friday prayers in June 2014 shortly after he wrested control of the city from the Iraqi army.
According to a Kurdish military official east of Mosul, the preachers were arrested for refusing to mention or praise ISIS as required by a new ISIS law issued last week for all mosques where Friday prayers are performed.
Preachers are also required to praise ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdad in their preach.
The two arrested preachers led Friday prayers in Mosul's Falah and Barid neighborhoods.
ISIS has appointed its own Friday preacher in Mosul who conveys the group's message to the local population and encourages support for jihad among people.
Al-Baghdadi himself declared his Islamic caliphate during Friday prayers in June 2014 shortly after he wrested control of the city from the Iraqi army.