Home World Live International Crisis Iraq detains ex-security official linked to the execution of Shiite cleric opposing Saddam Hussein.

Iraq detains ex-security official linked to the execution of Shiite cleric opposing Saddam Hussein.

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Iraq detains ex-security official linked to the execution of Shiite cleric opposing Saddam Hussein.

Iraq’s National Security Agency announced on Friday the detention of a former senior security official linked to the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric and his sister during the regime of Saddam Hussein, specifically in 1980. This action comes as a part of broader efforts to address historical human rights abuses during Hussein’s oppressive tenure.

The cleric, Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr, was a vocal critic of the secular Ba’athist regime, and his resistance became more pronounced after the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, which heightened Saddam Hussein’s fears regarding a possible Shiite uprising. Following the rise of tensions, al-Sadr and his sister, Bint al-Huda—a religious scholar who also actively challenged the government—were arrested as part of the government’s crackdown on Shiite dissent. Reports suggest that they were subjected to torture prior to their execution by hanging on April 8, 1980. The regime declined to return their remains to their families, concerned that their burial sites would become focal points for Shiite opposition, further exacerbating dissent against Saddam’s rule.

The main individual accused in the case, Saadoun Sabri Jamil Jumaa al-Qaisi, was detained five months prior to the announcement. A security official, who requested anonymity due to not being authorized to disclose information publicly, confirmed the details. Al-Qaisi had held several influential positions under Saddam’s regime, including as director of state security and as the security chief in both the southern port city of Basra and the central city of Najaf. He is implicated in the organization of al-Sadr’s detention and subsequent execution.

Following the fall of Saddam in 2003, al-Qaisi evaded capture by fleeing to Syria, where it is reported he adopted the alias “Hajj Saleh.” He returned to Iraq on February 26, 2023, and was arrested in Erbil, marking 44 years since the execution incident. The Iraqi National Security Agency has indicated that al-Qaisi may face the death penalty, with a final verdict anticipated in the upcoming week.

Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, commended the arrest via a social media post on X, stating, “We reaffirm our commitment to tracking down criminals, no matter how long they have been on the run.” The developments reflect ongoing efforts by the Iraqi authorities to confront historical injustices and hold accountable those responsible for past atrocities.