Islamic State 'hang children from pole' for eating during Ramadan
Two boys were reportedly strung up outside the offices of the religious police in Syria
Islamic State militants left two boys hanging from a crossbar in a Syrian village as punishment for not fasting during Ramadan, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights.
"The children have been suspended by ropes from a pole since noon, and they were still there in the late evening," the organisation's Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. "Apparently, they were caught eating."
It is reported they were left strung up by the wrists near the headquarters of the jihadi police. They also had placard around their necks which read: "They broke the fast with no religious justification."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The boys are not believed to have died as a result of the punishment, which was likely to have been carried out as a warning to others.
Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex from dawn until sunset as a sign of religious devotion.
However, the requirement does not apply to children who have not reached puberty, pregnant women, the ill, elderly or people who are travelling.
The attack on the boys took place in place Mayadin, a city in the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor which fell to IS last year.
The militants are in control of swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria and enforce a strict interpretation of Sharia law, with limbs of thieves amputated and adulterers thrown off high buildings or stoned to death.
Last year the UN reported that IS militants were taking abducted Iraqi children to markets and selling them as sex slaves. Young boys are increasingly being targeted by the group as suicide bombers, human shields and bomb makers, according to Reuters.
"We have had reports of children, especially children who are mentally challenged, who have been used as suicide bombers, most probably without them even understanding," said Renate Winter from the UN Committee of the Rights of a Child.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The week's best photos
In Pictures A flooded island, a ballistic missile, and more
By Anahi Valenzuela, The Week US Published
-
Who actually needs life insurance?
The Explainer If you have kids or are worried about passing on debt, the added security may be worth it
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Sexual wellness trends to know, from products and therapies to retreats and hotels
The Week Recommends Talking about pleasure and sexual health is becoming less taboo
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The issue of women and conscription
Under the radar Ukraine military adviser hints at widening draft to women, as other countries weigh defence options amid global insecurity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran risk all-out war with Israel?
Today's Big Question Tehran has not wanted to be directly involved in the Middle East conflict so far. But that could be about to change
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Why is Islamic State targeting Russia?
Today's Big Question Islamist terror group's attack on 'soft target' in Moscow was driven in part by 'opportunity and personnel'
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's unconventional approach to reconstruction
Under the radar Digitally savvy nation uses popular app to file compensation claims, access funds and rebuild destroyed homes
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Ukraine's leadership reset work?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy hints at ousting of popular military chief, but risks backlash amid dwindling munitions, delayed funding and Russian bombardment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Imran Khan sentenced to 10 years: how powerful is Pakistan's military?
Today's Big Question The country's armed forces ignore country's economic woes, control its institutions and, critics say, engineer election results
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What is Iran's endgame?
Today's Big Question Tehran seeks to supplant US and Saudi Arabia as dominant power in Middle East while forcing Israel to end Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published