BAGHDAD, May 15 (Reuters) - The trial of Iraq's fugitive vice-president, Tareq al-Hashemi, opened in his absence on Tuesday and a lawmaker whose relatives were allegedly killed by death squads under his orders screamed abuse across the courtroom.
Hashemi, a leading Sunni Muslim politician in parliament's Iraqiya bloc, fled Baghdad in December when Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's Shi'ite-led government sought his arrest just days after the last American troops left Iraq.
Interpol is seeking Hashemi's arrest on murder charges at the Iraqi government's request. He denies all the charges, which Iraqiya says amount to persecution by Maliki in a case that has rattled the fragile, cross-sectarian government in Baghdad.
Maliki's critics say the Shi'ite leader is trying to sideline Sunni and Kurdish partners to consolidate his power.
Hashemi is in Turkey, which has refused to extradite him. He has refused to stand trial in Baghdad, saying the charges are politically motivated and the case is riddled with legal errors.
The Sunni politician is charged alongside his son-in-law, Ahmed Kahtan, and 73 of his personal bodyguards.
One bodyguard, Ahmed Shawqi, accused Kahtan of orchestrating a series of murders and attacks against mainly Shi'ite targets.
"I confirm that we were carrying out operations such as planting bombs, car bombs and assassinations," Shawqi told the court. "I say all the operations were done under Hashemi's son-in-law Ahmed Kahtan."
Muna Mahdi, a Shi'ite member of parliament, shouted "May God blacken your face, you dog," when Shawqi described how a death squad had killed her brother and his wife.
A three-judge panel at Baghdad's Central Criminal Court heard testimony from one other bodyguard and from five relatives of people allegedly killed by the death squads before adjourning until May 20.
The trial is initially focusing on three murder charges involving the assassination of a general manager in the Ministry of National Security, an officer in the Interior Ministry and a female lawyer, according to the judiciary council.
Hashemi and his bodyguards have also been charged with the murders of six judges. Prosecutors are investigating about 300 potential charges against the group.
Hashemi's supporters say some of the bodyguards were tortured into making the accusations against him. (Writing by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Barry Malone and Alistair Lyon)
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.