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Saddam Relative Arrested in Lebanon, Family Pleads Against Turning him over to Iraq

A plane flies in front the sunset behind the towers, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. (AP)
A plane flies in front the sunset behind the towers, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. (AP)
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Saddam Relative Arrested in Lebanon, Family Pleads Against Turning him over to Iraq

A plane flies in front the sunset behind the towers, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. (AP)
A plane flies in front the sunset behind the towers, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. (AP)

News broke out in Lebanon on Friday of the authorities’ arrest of Abdullah Yasser Sabawi al-Hassan, the grandson of Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan, the step-brother of late Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein.

Abdullah was arrested according to an Interpol arrest warrant that was requested by Iraq.

He was detained in Lebanon on July 11, revealed Saddam’s nephew, Saad Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan through posts on social media.

He pleaded with Arab and international rights groups to intervene to determine the fate of his nephew, whom he was said was “spitefully” arrested.

Lebanon’s General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim was quick to respond to the post, telling Iraqi television that he was arrested on charges of “carrying out criminal acts that left thousands dead.”

“We are working according to international law and repatriation agreements between nations,” he added.

He stressed that Iraq is a fraternal state to Lebanon and “we reject any act of impunity. We support the implementation of the law without any pressure. This is our duty towards the people of Iraq.”

In an attempt to cast doubt over the charges against Abdullah, Saad said his nephew had left Iraq in 2003 when he was just eight years of age.

He has since never returned to his country for several reasons, including being deprived of Iraqi nationality and all of his civil rights, continued Saad.

Abdullah had joined Saad when he was living in Yemen, which they were forced to quit due to the worsening security situation.

Abddullah chose to settle down in Lebanon, revealed Saad.

Upon his arrival, he was keen on submitting a request for protection from the United Nations. His request was approved.

Abdullah holds another nationality that is non-Iraqi. He lived in Lebanon for four years without coming under any harassment of pressure. He lived a calm life and did not cause any security or political tensions, continued Saad.

An informed judicial source in Lebanon revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that General Prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat had received an Iraqi notice for Abdullah’s arrest through Interpol.

He ordered that Abdullah be arrested as soon as he was found.

After his arrest, he was turned over to the General Security, which will determine whether it is still legal for him to remain in Lebanon or whether he should be deported.

The source revealed that both Iraq and Yemen are demanding that he be turned over to them.

The decision now lies in the hands of the General Security chief and the judiciary is no longer involved, it added.

Abdullah’s family fears for his safety should be deported to Iraq.

Saad appealed to international organizations to intervene and “free” him.

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Lebanese Foreign Ministry Issues 2nd Summons for Iranian Ambassador

Foreign Minister Youssef Raji during the meeting in Cairo (Markaziah)
Foreign Minister Youssef Raji during the meeting in Cairo (Markaziah)
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Lebanese Foreign Ministry Issues 2nd Summons for Iranian Ambassador

Foreign Minister Youssef Raji during the meeting in Cairo (Markaziah)
Foreign Minister Youssef Raji during the meeting in Cairo (Markaziah)

Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set a new date for Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani to appear after he declined an earlier summons over his controversial remarks criticizing discussions about disarming Hezbollah.

The ambassador had been scheduled to visit the ministry on Wednesday but apologized for not attending.

Foreign Minister Youssef Raji had initially summoned Amani to the ministry on Tuesday in protest over his recent statements. In Raji’s absence abroad, the ambassador was expected to receive Lebanon’s official position from the ministry’s secretary general. However, Amani did not show up, later telling Lebanon’s Al Jadeed TV that while he had received the summons, he had excused himself from attending and had yet to be informed of a new date.

He stressed that Iran “respects whatever agreement the Lebanese people reach” regarding Hezbollah’s weapons, asserting that Tehran does not impose its views on Lebanese domestic affairs.

Later in the day, Markaziah News Agency reported that the Foreign Ministry had indeed set a new appointment for Amani, although it did not disclose the date.

The controversy stems from a post Amani made last Friday on X, in which he wrote: “The disarmament project is a clear conspiracy against nations.”

He added: “We in the Islamic Republic of Iran are fully aware of the dangers of this conspiracy and the threat it poses to the security of the peoples in the region. We warn others not to fall into the trap laid by the enemies.”

Amani also stressed that maintaining deterrence capability is “the first line of defense for sovereignty and independence, and it must not be compromised.”

On Wednesday, Raji reiterated that the new Lebanese government “adheres to a clear policy aimed at asserting the state’s sovereignty over all its territory, ensuring that arms are solely in the hands of the state, and that it alone holds the authority to decide on matters of war and peace.”

He also underscored commitment to the National Pact, the Taif Agreement, and genuine power-sharing between Lebanon’s communities, saying these principles are essential for national unity and effective participation.

Speaking at the meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo, Raji addressed what he called Israel’s continued aggression against Lebanon.

According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, Raji said: “The world has witnessed Lebanon’s full commitment to the ceasefire declaration. However, Israel insists on undermining the agreement and continues to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty on a daily basis.”

He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to peaceful and diplomatic solutions, including full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and stressed that Lebanon’s legitimate security institutions, particularly the Lebanese Army, are determined to carry out their national duties.