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Iraqi 'Prince of the Marshes' Wanted in Murder Case
Reuters
Friday, June 18, 2004; 6:52 AM
By Khaled Yacoub Oweis
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A U.S.-appointed Iraqi judge has issued a warrant to arrest one of the fiercest opponents of former President Saddam Hussein in connection with murder, politicians and lawyers familiar with the case said on Friday.
Abdul Karim al-Mohammadawi is known as "Prince of the Marshes" for leading resistance against 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.
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 the 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 U.S.-led administration.
"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 whose once close relationship with U.S. officials has cooled.
The two men became members of the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council last year. The council dissolved itself this month to make room for a new interim government.
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