Wanted Saddam nephew claims asylum in Austria
A nephew of Saddam Hussein, wanted by Iraq for membership in a terrorist organization, has claimed asylum in Austria saying he fears persecution, Austria's interior ministry announced.
Terrorists usually do fear prosecution... | A spokesman for the ministry said the man, whom they named only as Bashar N., had been detained without identity documents on Thursday in the town of Traiskirchen, a well-known center for asylum-seekers since the Cold War, along with two other people.
The ministry spokesman said, "Asylum proceedings are now under way in Austria. Regardless of his origin, everyone has a right to a legal process."
Bashar N. has been on an Iraqi wanted list since 2006, he is not under arrest. His identity was established by fingerprints.
Bashar N. claimed he had come to Austria by plane from Turkey using a false passport, which was then taken away by the people smuggler who had assisted him. He is being held at a secret location for his own safety.
Posted by: ryuge 2012-06-22 |