World News 09-08-2004 Saddam Trial Chief Accused of Murder who: Shia leader Ahmed Chalabi what: Accused of counterfeiting Iraqi dinars where: Iraq when: Yesterday snippet: "Salem Chalabi, the man organising the trial of Saddam Hussein, was facing a murder charge himself last night after an Iraqi judge issued a warrant for his arrest," says The Guardian. "Another was issued for his uncle Ahmed Chalabi, the founder of the Iraqi National Congress and a former key ally of the US. He is accused of money laundering." "The warrant is the latest strike against Ahmad Chalabi, a longtime Iraqi exile opposition leader," explains The Times, "who had been a favourite of many in the Pentagon but fell out with the Americans in the weeks before the United States occupation ended in June." Ahmed Chalabi says he intends to return to Iraq from Tehran, possibly as early as today, reports The Financial Times, to face and deny the charges against him. These charges arise from the apparent discovery of counterfeit Iraqi dinars in his home following the fall of Saddam Hussein. His nephew says the money came into Ahmed Chalabi`s possission legitimately in his capacity as head of the financial committee of the governing council. As for Salem Chalabi, he says he also intends to return to Iraq, in spte of alleged death threats. He himself is accused of making threats against Haithem Fadhil, director general of the finance ministry, who was subsequently killed in June. "I have no recollection of ever meeting that person," he told CNN, repeated in today`s Guardian. "I`m not actually worried about it. It`s a ridiculous charge, that I threatened somebody. There`s no proof there." [... more]

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