Iraqi minister accuses government of kidnapping his bodyguards
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 December 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iraqi minister accuses government of kidnapping his bodyguards, 21 December 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50ed3428c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 21, 2012
Iraqi Finance Minister Rafia al-Issawi
Iraq's Finance Minister Rafia al-Issawi has accused Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki of orchestrating raids to kidnap members of his staff.
Al-Issawi said late on December 20 that troops visited his office and home and abducted more than 100 bodyguards and staff.
Al-Issawi is a member of the Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc and a political rival of Maliki's Shi'ite-led government.
A Supreme Judicial Council spokesman said on December 20 that the chief of the minister's protection force was arrested two days previously on terrorism-related charges following confessions by some suspects.
One year ago, Iraqi authorities sought the arrest of Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi and his bodyguards, accusing him of running death squads.
Al-Hashimi fled to Turkey and was sentenced to death in absentia.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website