Resistance in Mosul

In Mosul, Iraq, social media and all methods of connecting with the outside world have been made illegal, according to CNN. Many regimes of dictators in the past have kept those under their control in the dark, not wanting people to be inspired to rebel. ISIS is operating similarly, keeping those in their control ignorant.The Iraqi people trapped within the city of Mosul would not know a lot about what is going on in the outside world, if it were not for the work of a group of freedom fighters.

In June 2014, ISIS established its presence in Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq. ISIS occupation has continued until this day, and it shows no sign of a clear ending. The radio channel “Alghad” ( meaning tomorrow in Arabic) works to provide the people of Mosul and worldwide refugees with accurate information and hope.

“We’ve developed a Mowslawi community,” (a community of those from or in the city of Mosul) said Mohammad Al Mawsily, the developer of the channel in an interview with CNN. “The radio station is their way of communicating with their loved ones.”

Al Mawsily means “from Mosul,” and is the pseudonym that he must use to protect himself. The whole channel operates in secrecy, and needs to keep it that way due to the brutal punishments that can be administered for breaking the law. Al Mawsily left Mosul with his family and is now in hiding with his station, but did not forget the people that are still in Mosul. Through donations, personal funds, and an education in computer science from the University of Colorado Denver, Mawsily set out to do something about the issue.

Alghad informs the trapped people of Mosul about events happening in the outside world that they otherwise might not end up hearing. The show spreads through word of mouth among listeners, eager to increase the popularity of their news source. Radios are still allowed in Mosul which enables people to listen to the show, though ISIS tries to restrict content. The show also works with other besieged cities, and has a 50-minute segment where people can call in.

Despite the tyranny of ISIS, people are finding a way to stand up for their freedom. ISIS may be able to take away their rights, but they cannot eliminate the voice of the people.

By: Rick Derfus, Editor