Arrest Warrant against Pro-Iran Cleric Stokes Tensions in Iraq

A student walks past the remains of a tent, which was burnt last night after clashes between supporters of Iraqi Shiite armed groups and Iraqi security forces during a protest against the election results in Baghdad, Iraq, November 6, 2021. (Reuters)
A student walks past the remains of a tent, which was burnt last night after clashes between supporters of Iraqi Shiite armed groups and Iraqi security forces during a protest against the election results in Baghdad, Iraq, November 6, 2021. (Reuters)
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Arrest Warrant against Pro-Iran Cleric Stokes Tensions in Iraq

A student walks past the remains of a tent, which was burnt last night after clashes between supporters of Iraqi Shiite armed groups and Iraqi security forces during a protest against the election results in Baghdad, Iraq, November 6, 2021. (Reuters)
A student walks past the remains of a tent, which was burnt last night after clashes between supporters of Iraqi Shiite armed groups and Iraqi security forces during a protest against the election results in Baghdad, Iraq, November 6, 2021. (Reuters)

A court in the Iraqi city of Najaf has issued an arrest warrant on terrorism charges against a cleric who is close to Iran.

The suspect is Hamid al-Husseini, who is head of the Iraqi Radio and Television Union, which is funded by Iran.

Another arrest warrant on the same charges was issued against Ammar Ibrahim Talal al-Bouamer.

Observers have ruled out the possibility that the warrants may be linked to the assassination attempt against Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi earlier this month.

Tensions have been high in Iraq in wake of the failed attempt on the PM's life.

Pro-Iran factions, which were the major losers in the October parliamentary elections, are widely believed to be behind the attack. They have held protests in Baghdad to express their rejection of the vote, which they have dismissed as a "sham".

The elections commission has completed the recount of votes in ballot stations whose results have been appealed.

Ten days remain to complete the process, but as it stands, the recount will not alter the outcome of the elections, which saw Sadrist movement leader cleric Moqtada al-Sadr emerge as victor.

The official results of the elections will be revealed once the Federal Supreme Court approves them.

In the meantime, the losing factions will be bracing themselves for a new round of confrontation with the government, Kadhimi and the Independent High Electoral Commission, which they accuse of being beholden to internal and foreign powers.



In Absentia Trial of Hemedti Kicks off in Sudan over 2023 West Darfur Governor Murder

This file photo shows Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Juba, South Sudan, on Oct. 21, 2019. (Reuters)
This file photo shows Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Juba, South Sudan, on Oct. 21, 2019. (Reuters)
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In Absentia Trial of Hemedti Kicks off in Sudan over 2023 West Darfur Governor Murder

This file photo shows Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Juba, South Sudan, on Oct. 21, 2019. (Reuters)
This file photo shows Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Juba, South Sudan, on Oct. 21, 2019. (Reuters)

A Sudanese court kicked off on Sunday the in absentia trial of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, his brother Abdel Rahim and 14 members of the group in the murder of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abkar in June 2023.

The Port Sudan court listened to the prosecution’s opening statement. Attorney General Al-Fatih Tayfour described the case as significant and that it underscores the rule of law.

Akbar was killed on June 14, 2023, after he was kidnapped by the RSF. Videos circulated on social media showed his killing and the mutilation of his body.

The presiding judge demanded the maximum sentence against the accused. If indicted, they could either face life in prison or the death sentence.

He said Akbar was killed in cold blood with the participation of his deputy Tijani Al-Tahir Karshom.

The United Nations mission in Sudan had condemned the “heinous” murder, adding that witnesses attested that the “Arab tribe militias” loyal to the RSF had committed it.

It had called for the prepetrators to be brought to justice.

The RSF had denied its involvement in the crime, saying it was a dangerous escalation in local tribal conflicts. It said the criminals were “undisciplined” tribe members, while the army accused the RSF of involvement.