Iraqi Shiite leader accuses police of torturing supporters to death

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2005/February/focusoniraq_February134.xml§ion=focusoniraq

BAGHDAD - The Shiite cleric who headed the winning list in Iraq’s elections accused police on Friday of torturing to death three of his supporters.

In an address to thousands of worshippers in central Baghdad, marking the Ashura mourning period, Sayyed Abdelaziz Hakim said: ”Three days ago, some criminals of the previous regime who were brought back to the police apparatus, committed an ignominious crime against three members of the Badr organization.”

He added: “The three men were detained and then tortured to death without being proven guilty and here are their pure bodies in front you.”

Hakim heads the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) and was addressing Shiites who had marched through Baghdad to gather for Tasua, the first of two days of mourning for the death of Imam Hussein that culminates with Ashura on Saturday.

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[David__77]

1. They're not Baathists, they're unprincipled lackeys.

Those police aren't Baathists. I hope that SCIRI and Badr organization make serious efforts at developing national unity. I also hope that they realize that the US is a hindrance and not a help in that effort.