In a video showing the forced conversion of dozens of Yazidis, Islamic State members proclaim that these men will "rid themselves of the fire of hell."
As reported here, the video comes within a day of another tape they released showing the beheading of American journalist James Wright Foley, warning President Barack Obama to watch his steps before taking any further action in Iraq.
The Yazidis, Kurdish minorities and followers of an ancient religion originated from Zoroastrianism, fled to the mountains after the Islamic State took control of the Sinjar town in northern Iraq.
According to Reuters, the IS militants are perceived as more extremist than al Qaeda. The armed militants are known to barge into the villages and threaten to kill any Yazidis who will not convert to Islam. Various witnesses said most of the victims were shot at close range, while others were buried alive, including women and children. Women who resisted were taken away as slaves, the witnesses said.
The video of conversion shows men and boys getting down from a bus at an undisclosed location, shaking hands and embracing men in traditional Islamic dress. Then a bearded man dressed in black carrying an armed weapon explains that Yazidis who embrace Islam will be protected and shall "rid themselves of the fire of hell." He also requests that the Yazidis not stay on the mountains, lest they die of starvation and thirst. "This talk about aid from Western and crusader countries is all lies. If they convert, we will give them everything they need. They will live a happy life," the militant says in a voiceover.
"Now you are unfaithful, we will teach you the Shahada (Islamic profession of faith) and you are going to turn into Muslims," he says after which all of them were told to recite the Shahada and perform Islamic prayers.
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) called on the UN Security Council on Tuesday for immediate action to protect the Yazidis.
