Islamic Wahhabbeen group because he had American customers, a human rights group said Friday July 23. Barnabas Fund, which investigates the plight of persecuted Christians in mainly Islamic nations, said owner Hani Matti Betti was killed Monday in the northern town, July 19, by militants who also "cut both hands off his business partner, a Muslim, and blinded him in both eyes".
"They stated that this was to be understood as a sign to anyone working with the Americans," Barnabas Fund claimed. It quoted a local media report as saying that militants before killing the shopkeeper shouted: "You are a Christian. Why do you sell food to the Americans? Are you an agent for the Americans?"
There was no way of independently confirming the Barnabas Fund report. However BosNewsLife has learned in Baghdad that several Christian shopkeepers, especially those selling alcohol, were killed or injured in Muslim related violence.
SPIRITUAL NEEDS
Barnabas Fund urged its supporters, which include many born again Christians, to "pray for the Muslim restaurateur who has suffered such appalling mutilation" and for "effective medical treatment and also for his emotional and spiritual needs at this time." In addition it urged prayers for Hani Matti Betti’s wife and four daughters, the oldest aged 20" that they "may find comfort and consolation in the Lord."
In its statement, the organization also urged its supporters to "pray for peace and stability in Iraq" as the latest attack has added to concern about the fragile security situation in Iraq, despite the recent handover of authority by the United States-led coalition to the interim government.
Besides Christians, dozens of insurgents and several American soldiers were killed these days in one of the fiercest fighting in recent weeks. Several foreign hostages have been beheaded or otherwise killed by militants.
