The members of Iraqi metal band Acrassicauda have been living as war refugees in Syria. On October 10th, 2007, their visas will start to expire. The Syrian government has made threatening overtures about sending Iraqi refugees back to Iraq. We don't need to stress just how dangerous this would be for them. It could very likely be a death sentence, and the time in which we can help them is quickly running out.
We are asking for donations to assist Acrassicauda in leaving Syria for a safer haven. The band has no bank accounts, and Paypal doesn't function in Syria, so we've setup a Paypal account on their behalf. No donation is too small. By giving as little as ten dollars, you can be a part of keeping the heavy metal dreams of four young Iraqi men alive.
Our short-term goal is to raise $20,000 USD for the band. This money will allow the band to purchase flights and to have survival funds when they arrive in a new country. In an effort to protect them, we cannot divulge where they are going until they arrive there safely.
http://heavymetalinbaghdad.com/donations.html
VICE is attempting to raise awareness and encourage public action in response to the fastest growing humanitarian crisis in the world. Over 2 million Iraqis have been displaced since the war started and - despite some media reports that Syria will not deport Iraqi refugees - they are indeed being pushed back into Iraq on a daily basis.
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Born out of a basement rehearsal space in Baghdad, Acrassicauda (Latin for "black scorpion") is Iraq's only heavy metal band. Inspired by western bands like Metallica, Slayer and Slipknot, they began writing and playing metal in 2001. Their dream of performing live in Iraq soon became the struggle of their lives.
Original members Firas (bass), Tony (lead guitar), Marwan (drums), Faisal (rhythm guitar) and Waleed (lead vocals) were only able to play three shows before the war started in 2003. Soon after, Waleed retired from the band and fled the country, leaving Faisal to take over as lead singer. Due to increased security precautions throughout Iraq, it became difficult to practice - much less get through a show - without literally risking their lives. As the situation worsened in Baghdad they began receiving death threats from insurgents and religious fundamentalists accusing them of Satanism.
The war has now all but destroyed their dream of living in peace, growing their hair long, banging their heads and shredding as loud as they want. The members of Acrassicauda are currently refugees in Damascus, Syria. All of their visa applications to foreign countries have been denied.
Thank you for your support and your concern.
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