Iraqi Christians Tell the Horrors of Living Under ISIS

Crucifixions, torture, and slavery -- that is the everyday reality of many Iraqi Christians who live under the shadow of the Islamic State. 

When ISIS stormed through Iraq and Syria in 2014, they put an immediate target on the back of every Christian in the area. 

Believers were given very few options: flee, covert to Islam, pay a harsh protection tax, or face a violent death. 

While many had the chance to flee for their lives, many Christian refugees tell a very different story. 

"My wife's brother was crucified by Daesh," said Esam, a father of three who managed to escape before he faced the same fate. "He was crucified and tortured in front of his wife and children, who were forced to watch. They told him that if he loved Jesus that much, he would die like Jesus."

Esam told the World Watch Monitor that his wife's brother was tortured for five hours. ISIS jihadists sliced open his relative's abdomen and shot him before crucifying him.

For many survivors, these are not unfortunate stories about their relatives or friends -- these are much more personal.

Karlus said he was imprisoned and tortured under ISIS. The 20-year-old was hung from the ceiling of a jail by his left foot. He was cut open and beaten all while the jihadists rubbed salt in his wounds to increase his pain. He also faced sexual assault in prison and was repeatedly told he would one day be shot dead. 

However, ISIS suddenly released him before he was executed. 

It is testimonies like these that give little hope for the future of Christians in Iraq.

Alaa, a father of two says Iraq is no longer a home for he and his Christian family. 

"It is impossible to go back to Baghdad," he said. "It is not possible to go back to Iraq. I can't build a life there. I hope to go to Australia, but any country that will accept me, I will go there. I want to build a life and a future for my children."

Despite facing horrible torture and persecution as a Christian, Karlus has a simple message: forgiveness. 

"What happened is not easy, but in the end we must forgive," he said. "This is my destiny; maybe God is planning something for me."