Iraq’s Deputy Health Minister Arrested
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
American and Iraqi troops stormed Baghdad’s Health Ministry yesterday to arrest the deputy minister.
A follower of the radical Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr, Hakim Zamali is alleged to have overseen a murderous campaign against its employees by a sectarian militia. Shiites loyal to Mr. Sadr control four government ministries.
A statement from the American military alleged that Mr. Zamali was a key figure in Mr. Sadr’s Madhi army, which has been accused of waging a sectarian campaign against Sunnis.
The Iraqi health minister, Ali al-Shammari, condemned the early morning raid. He said American troops had “humiliated” Iraq.
“They have kidnapped my deputy,” Mr. Shammari said.
Pictures from inside the ministry showed doors that were kicked in and tables and chairs overturned.
The American military statement said Mr. Zamali was suspected of funding militants through large-scale employment of Madhi army members.
It said, “These militia members are reported to target Iraqi civilians using [Health Ministry] facilities and services. The suspect’s corruption is believed to have funneled millions of U.S. dollars into rogue [activities].”
