While the Islamic holy month is a symbol of peace and promoter of abstinence from all that is ‘ill’, the Islamic State group, remaining true to its repute, reportedly lashed and crucified three people it accused of eating during fasting hours in Ramazan.
Two people from the IS-held town of Mayadin were reportedly tied onto crosses outside a police station in Eastern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor. Another person was reported to have received similar treatment in the nearby town of Bukamal.
All three were held in cages for a number of hours before receiving 70 lashes and being tied to a cross. The militant group had found them guilty of consuming food and drink during fasting hours.
Confirming the report, Rami Abdelrahman, from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said they were held up on the crosses as an ‘example’. “We heard of similar instances happening in Raqqa two days ago,” he said.
There have been similar reports of cruel punishment for breaking fast across the province. During Ramazan last year, IS caged and crucified 94 people, including five children, after they were caught breaking their fast.
This article originally appeared on International Business Times.
