Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Former Iraqi Defense Minister in Hiding Aimed Security Fears | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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London, Asharq Al-Awsat- Security measures have been tightened around Hazem Shaalan after his lawyer escaped an assassination attempt on Thursday at his home in northwest London. Sources indicated the former Iraqi Defense Minister was moved to a secret location because of security fears.

In a telephone conversation with Asharq al Awsat, the ex- Minister indicated he did not fear death and that “Life was in God’s hands”. He indicated his lawyer Mir Iskandarani “escaped an assassination attempt” by two suspects. The security guard apprehended one man who alleged he was from the anti-terrorism branch at Scotland Yard but managed to escape before the police were called to the scene.

Iskandarani told Asharq al Awsat the attempt on his life was probably aimed at freighting him in the hope he would cease to defend his client in a libel case against three Iraqi officials.