Search Campaign for Zaid Al-Talqani and Arrest of His Guards in Southern Iraq

A security source reported on Monday that a security force from the Special Operations Unit (SWAT) raided the headquarters of the Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue with the aim of arresting its head, Zaid Al-Talqani. The source stated, "The security force removed all security personnel and confiscated several weapons found in the center; however, Al-Talqani was not apprehended as he was not present at the center during the raid." Documents issued by the Najaf Investigation Court revealed that an arrest warrant had been issued against the director of the Al-Rafidain Center in the province. According to the documents, "The Najaf Investigation Court judge issued an arrest warrant against Zaid Al-Talqani, the director of the Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue, under the provisions of Article 430 of the Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, as amended." It was indicated that "Al-Talqani was complained against by the Vice President of the Najaf Provincial Council, Ghaith Abu Shabah, due to being threatened by Al-Talqani, who expelled him from the party after he won in the recent provincial council elections." Article 430 of the Iraqi Penal Code stipulates: 1 - Anyone who threatens another with committing a felony against himself or his property or against another person's property or name, or who spreads disgraceful matters and this is accompanied by a demand or a command to refrain from an act or intended for that, shall be punished by imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or by incarceration. 2 - The same penalty applies to threats if the threat is made in a letter devoid of the sender's name or is attributed to a secret group that exists or is alleged to exist.