Christians Under Attack

Krekar is under an expulsion order after being determined a threat to Norway's national security. He initially came to Norway in the early 1990s as a refugee, but later emerged as the head of guerrilla group Ansar al-Islam and he repeatedly violated the terms of his asylum by traveling back to northern Iraq to lead guerrilla activities.

He hasn't been expelled yet, however, because he faces the death threat in Iraq. Norway won't extradite anyone, even criminals, if they risk being executed back home.

The Supreme Court recently cleared the way for his expulsion when the situation in Krekar's homeland stabilizes. The insurgent group "Front for reform and holy war" is demanding that Krekar be allowed to stay in Norway, regardless.

It sent a warning to the offices of French news service AFP in Baghdad late Wednesday afternoon, demanding that Krekar remain in Norway.

AFP reported that the group warned an expulsion of Krekar would become "quite painful" for the Norwegian government if it doesn't reverse the expulsion order on Krekar.

A coalition of other insurgent groups warned of an "economic boycott" of Norway, but observers in Iraq interpreted that more as a threat against Norway. The insurgent coalition includes the so-called Islamic Army in Iraq, the Mujahedin Army in Iraq and the armed branch of Ansar al-Sunna.

Anne Lene Dale Sandsten of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry downplayed the threat, stressing that Krekar won't be deported as long as the situation in Iraq is as unstable as it is now.

Noting that she only knew of the reported threat through the media, she added that sending Krekar back to Iraq now would violate Norway's human rights obligations

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