Alleged Saddam Hussein relative seeks asylum in Tajikistan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 July 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Alleged Saddam Hussein relative seeks asylum in Tajikistan, 29 July 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003e6114.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 29, 2014
By RFE/RL's Tajik Service
A man claiming to be a relative of late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is seeking political asylum in Tajikistan.
The deputy chief of the traffic police in Tajikistan's southern district of Farhor, Mahmad Izatulloev, told RFE/RL on July 29 that a 47-year-old man, who identified himself as Abdulla ibn-Akhmad al-Arabiya, had been detained while illegally crossing the Tajik-Afghan border on July 13.
Izatulloev said the man, who is fluent in five languages, told Tajik officials that he has served in Hussein's secret services and was sentenced to five years in jail after the Iraqi dictator was toppled in 2003.
The man said he moved to Afghanistan after serving his prison term and wants to get political asylum status in Tajikistan.
Izatulloev said Tajik authorities are investigating the claims.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
