ISIS suspends boys from a pole in Syria for 'not fasting in Ramadan'

ISIS has punished two boys in Syria by hanging them from a pole for eating during Ramadan, the month when Muslim's fast during daylight hours.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported yesterday that the boys, who are believed to be under the age of 18, were "crucified" with a sign hung around their necks reporting their crime as "not fasting in Ramadan".

SOHR founder Rami Abdel told AFP that they were "suspended from a crossbar" near the office of the religious police in Mayadin, a town in eastern Syria that has been under ISIS control since last summer.

Clarifying earlier reports, Rahman told Christian Today that the boys had not been killed, but were being punished for being caught eating.

He said they had been left hanging "from yesterday daytime until overnight" but had now been taken down. He estimated that they were between the ages of 14 and 16.

Ramadan, which this year started on June 18, is intended to be a time of spiritual devotion, when Muslims abstain from a number of things, including food, drink, tobacco and sex, from dawn until sunset. Children are not usually required to fast during the holy month until adolescence. Pregnant women and the elderly are also not required to fast.

related articles
Syria: the world\'s \'shameful failure\'
Syria: the world's 'shameful failure'

Syria: the world's 'shameful failure'

Ramadan: 10 things you ought to know
Ramadan: 10 things you ought to know

Ramadan: 10 things you ought to know

US spending billions in fight against ISIS despite \'lack of clear strategy\'
US spending billions in fight against ISIS despite 'lack of clear strategy'

US spending billions in fight against ISIS despite 'lack of clear strategy'

News
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.

New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities
New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities

Jim Shannon MP said the report records both “the progress observed” and “the ongoing challenges” that remain for religious minorities seeking to live in safety and freedom in Iraq.