Atheism and the changing image of Islam in Iraq

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the situation of atheists and apostates in Iraq, as the tendency to abandon religion is increasing in this country. With the fall of the regime of Saddam Hussein and his party, Shiites took power in the country, who, guided by religious doctrine, often limit the freedoms and rights of citizens. In addition, the authorities in the country still maintain a policy of ethnic and religious divisions towards citizens, which leads to social conflicts. Another dangerous factor is the emergence of religious terrorist organizations and private militias that persecute dissenters. Although atheism is not punished by state law, many people who deny God’s existence are arrested or killed. The only safe places for them are secret meetings or a virtual space where they can discuss and seek answers to their doubts.