Mon, Jan 01, 2007 - Page 7 News List

Saddam's family may be key to fortune

TREASURE HUNT The dictator is suspected to have siphoned up to ?23 billion out of Iraq and into secret bank accounts in the UK, Germany, Japan and other countries

THE OBSERVER , LONDON

Raghad, known as "Little Saddam" because she shares her father's temper, has been accused by the new Iraqi government of using millions of dollars allegedly stolen by Saddam to help finance the insurgency.

However it is unclear whether Raghdad or Rana have much sympathy for their father, though the latter was involved in his legal defense.

Saddam ordered the husbands of both women killed in 1996.

He accused them of having provided information about Iraq's weapons to the West.

The brothers had defected to Jordan with their families in 1995.

They were both killed when they accepted Saddam's offer to return to Iraq.

Saddam's first wife and cousin, Sajida Khairallah Tulfah, who was also listed as wanted by the Iraqi government, is thought to be living in Qatar.

Saddam's own defense lawyer said last year that Sajidah was "an ill old lady" who enjoyed "the patronage and hospitality of the emir."

This story has been viewed 3957 times.
TOP top