Iraq's moral police stones to death 14 students for following 'emo culture'

Baghdad, Mar 11(ANI): At least 14 youngsters have been stoned to death in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, in what appears to be a campaign by Shia militants, for having haircuts and wearing clothes emulating the 'emo' trend popular among western teenagers.

Iraq's Moral Police also released a statement on the interior ministry's website, highlighting the emo culture prevalent among Iraqi youth and declaring its intent to eliminate the trend.

"The Emo phenomenon or devil worshipping is being followed by the Moral Police who have the approval to eliminate (the phenomenon) as soon as possible since it's detrimentally affecting the society and becoming a danger," the Daily Mail quoted the statement as saying.

"They wear strange, tight clothes that have pictures on them such as skulls and use stationary that are shaped as skulls. They also wear rings on their noses and tongues, and do other strange activities," the statement added.

Militants in Shia neighborhoods, where the stonings have taken place, circulated a list that named youngsters to be targeted if they do not change the way they dress.

The killings took place after Iraq's interior ministry drew attention to the 'emo' subculture last month, labeling it 'Satanism', and ordering the community police force to eradicate it.

Iraq's leading Shia clerics have condemned the incident. (ANI)