ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s national security service on Monday announced that its forces had arrested around 50 people across four provinces, in connection with a religious fringe group which calls on its members to commit suicide as a “sacrifice."
At least 20 suspected members of the “Sacrificers” were arrested by detachments in Muthanna province “based on accurate intelligence information, and intensifying technical and field efforts,” according to the statement from the security service.
At least 27 other suspects were arrested by security forces in Dhi Qar, Wasit, and Maysan, the statement added.
The Sacrificers, also known as al-Alahhiya (the Divine Ali), consists of members who deify the Shiite Imam and offer human sacrifices in his name. Iraq forces announced arresting 31 suspected members of the group in late-June.
“The members promote deviant ideas that consist of holding a draw, and whoever is chosen shall commit suicide through hanging themselves,” the statement said in regards to the group’s practices.
The group allegedly has thousands of members across Iraq, believed to have been influenced by similar religious movements in Iran. At least four members were arrested in Dhi Qar province in 2023.
Diwaniyah’s police directorate announced in June that the group’s leader in Dhi Qar was arrested, and he confessed to killing two members as sacrifice.
