From ABC News Online (Aust.):
Let's go straight to the allegations that Iyad Allawi executed as many as six suspected insurgents at a Baghdad police station at the end of June.
The explosive claims in tomorrow's Sydney Morning Herald and Age newspapers allege that the prisoners were handcuffed and blindfolded, lined up against a courtyard wall and shot by the Iraqi Prime Minister.
Dr Allawi is alleged to have told those around him that he wanted to send a clear message to the police on how to deal with insurgents.
Two people allege they witnessed the killings and there are also claims the Iraqi Interior Minister was present as well as four American security men in civilian dress.
Matt's Chat
I suspect Jayson Blair-esque reporting here.The set up for the story tries to paint the reporter as somebody important that everybody should know and respect (if only they were smart enough!). I'm not buying it.
The two sources for this story are not identified and were approached through "personal" contacts rather than organizational leads. Neither of these sources can name the date on which this event allegedly happened either.
The reporter claims there was a collegue who sat in on one of the interviews that was impressed by the credibility of the witness. This collegue is not identified.
Allawi denies the story and I am inclined to believe him. The rumor mill in Iraq is working overtime.
One of three things happened here: either the reporter fabricated the story or the witnesses did. It is possible that the story is true, but I find it unlikely.
Mark's Remarks
This is a distressing charge, but it will take more than just this one story to convince me, especially given how the media is looking for any way to make the Iraq situation worse to sell more papers.
However, if it is found to be true, then Allawi needs to be removed as soon as possible and someone else needs to be installed.
I believe the PM, until serious evidence comes in to the contrary.
