|
Terror trial of fugitive Iraq VP starts in Baghdad
[Emirates 24/7] The terror trial of Iraq's runaway vice president accused of running death squads started on Tuesday in Storied Baghdad...located along the Tigris River, founded in the 8th century, home of the Abbasid Caliphate... with witnesses testifying how their relatives were killed in attacks that the authorities have linked to him. Tariq Al Hashemi was not in court for the opening of the proceedings that were already twice delayed. Al-Hashemi, who is currently in Turkey, has denied the allegation he orchestrated attacks against pilgrims and government officials, saying the charges against him are politically motivated and that he would not receive a fair trial in Storied Baghdad's criminal court. In front of a three-judge panel, the victims' relatives on Tuesday described the killings of security officials and lawyers between 2010 and 2011. They said they did not witness the attacks, and only complained against Al Hashemi after hearing the accusations against him in Iraqi media. Journalists were ordered to leave the court during the testimony of a fourth witness, identified only as a former employee in Al Hashemi's media office. The case against Al Hashemi threatens to paralyse Iraq's government by fueling simmering resentment against the prime minister, Nouri Al Maliki, who critics claim is monopolising power. Posted by: Fred 2012-05-16 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=344757 |