Iraq’s ’prince of marshes’ is wanted for murder

Gulf Daily News

BAGHDAD: A US-appointed Iraqi judge has issued an arrest warrant for one of the fiercest opponents of former president Saddam Hussein in connection with murder, politicians and lawyers familiar with the case said yesterday.

Abdul Karim Al Mohammadawi is known as "Prince of the Marshes" for leading resistance to Saddam in Iraq’s southern marshlands even after the ousted dictator drained the wetlands in a campaign to crush Shi’ite rebels in the 1980s and 1990s.

The warrant states that Mohammadawi, a former member of Iraq’s now defunct Governing Council, is wanted in connection with the murder of a police officer in southern Amara province several weeks ago.

His two brothers are also wanted in relation to the same case. Prosecutors say the three, whose whereabouts are unclear, were present when the police officer was killed.

Mohammadawi’s supporters condemned the arrest warrant and questioned the impartiality of judges appointed by the US-led administration handling the case.

"The occupier set up these courts to compromise our dignity," said a statement issued by the Union of Iraqi Tribes, printed in the Al Sabah newspaper. "We stand by Sheikh Mohammadawi and condemn the illegal courts of the occupation," it said.

Mohammadawi is regarded as an ally of Ahmad Chalabi, a former exile and Iraqi National Congress head whose once close relationship with US officials has cooled.

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