Court sentences Al-Hashimi to death in absentia

BAGHDAD, Sept 9 (KUNA) -- The Criminal Court on Sunday sentenced Vice President Tariq Al-Hashimi and chief of his office Ahmed Al-Qahtan for murder of lawyer Suhad Al-Khafaji and national security officer Talib Balasim.
The prosecutor asked the court to condemn Al-Hashimi for murdering the lawyer and his aide but acquit him of the charge of killing the security officer.
However, attorneys of the litigation sought his conviction for all these murders.
Prosecution of Al-Hashimi in absentia resumed amid a wave of blasts that rocked the nation today killing and wounding more than 150 people.
Al-Hashemi, who has fled Iraq, has accused the government of being behind the case for political purposes. (end) mhg.ssj KUNA 091631 Sep 12NNNN