ZAKHO, Iraq — Ziwar Muhammad Isma’il was shot dead Feb. 17 at 8.30 a.m. in the city of Zakho, in Northern Iraqi. Born a Muslim he became a Christian seven years ago and was openly talking about his Christian faith. He leaves behind a widow and five children.
Ziwar was very committed to his Christian faith. Twice he had been arrested, but never charged. Several times his family and other Muslims had threatened him. To his friends he affirmed his devotion “With Jesus on my side I have nothing to fear.”
Ziwar was a taxi driver by profession. He was at the taxi rank when a man, Abd al-Karim Abd al Salam, started to talk with him, trying to persuade him to return to Islam.
When Ziwar refused Abd al Salam pulled an automatic rifle and sprayed Ziwar with bullets. The assassin tried to run away. However, other taxi drivers reportedly chased him, caught him and he is now in police custody.
He told the police that the Muslim prophet, Muhammad, appeared to him in a dream and told him to kill Ziwar.
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