Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Media: AFP
Byline: n/a
Date: 17 October 2006
Body:
BAGHDAD, Oct 17, 2006 (AFP) - The Baghdad office of radical Shiite cleric
Moqtada al-Sadr's movement on Tuesday accused US forces of arresting one of
its leaders and warned of massive protests in response.
"US forces raided the home of Sheikh Mazen al-Saedi, head of the Sadr
movement offices in Karkh (west Baghdad) and arrested him," Hamdallah
al-Rikabi, a spokesman for the movement, told AFP.
"Five other members of the office were arrested as well in a series of
raids in Shuala," he said, referring to a Shiite neighborhood in northeast
Baghdad.
US forces did not immediately comment on the claim.
Sadr's movement has a vast military wing known as the Mahdi Army which is
widely believed to be active in the spate of sectarian murders that leaves
corpses scattered around the capital every morning.
Though not entering its stronghold neighborhoods in force, the US military
does conduct targeted raids on militia members believed to be directly
involved in any killings.
"Sadr's office is preparing for an official massive demonstration tomorrow
in Karkh in which schools and some government departments will be
involved," said Rikabi.
Sadr has 30 seats in parliament and several ministries are controlled by
his followers.
Byline: n/a
Date: 17 October 2006
Body:
BAGHDAD, Oct 17, 2006 (AFP) - The Baghdad office of radical Shiite cleric
Moqtada al-Sadr's movement on Tuesday accused US forces of arresting one of
its leaders and warned of massive protests in response.
"US forces raided the home of Sheikh Mazen al-Saedi, head of the Sadr
movement offices in Karkh (west Baghdad) and arrested him," Hamdallah
al-Rikabi, a spokesman for the movement, told AFP.
"Five other members of the office were arrested as well in a series of
raids in Shuala," he said, referring to a Shiite neighborhood in northeast
Baghdad.
US forces did not immediately comment on the claim.
Sadr's movement has a vast military wing known as the Mahdi Army which is
widely believed to be active in the spate of sectarian murders that leaves
corpses scattered around the capital every morning.
Though not entering its stronghold neighborhoods in force, the US military
does conduct targeted raids on militia members believed to be directly
involved in any killings.
"Sadr's office is preparing for an official massive demonstration tomorrow
in Karkh in which schools and some government departments will be
involved," said Rikabi.
Sadr has 30 seats in parliament and several ministries are controlled by
his followers.