Iraq's Justice Minister is seeking Mullah Krekar's extradition, claiming he's wanted for alleged crimes committed in Iraq

Nina Berglund:

Justice Minister Abdel Hussein Shandal told TV 2 Nettavisen on Friday that Mullah Krekar "is an Iraqi citizen and should appear in court" for alleged crimes in the Kurdish areas of northern Iraq.

"We're building a democratic state, and he will have the right to defend himself and have an attorney," Shandal said.

Shandal also claimed that Krekar wouldn't face the death penalty if he's sent to Iraq. He also promised that Krekar would not be extradited to any other countries if he returns to Iraq. Krekar has previously been sought by officials in Jordan for other alleged crimes.

Shandal said Krekar is suspected of terrorist activity and is charged with being responsible for a string of offenses and terrorist attacks in Northern Iraq when he led guerrilla group Ansar al-Islam.

Iraq's justice minister also charged that Krekar has motivated and encouraged Ansar al-Islam to make new terrorist attacks within Iraq while he's been in exile in Norway.

Krekar is fighting his possible deportation, and recently made remarks that were widely interpreted as threats to Norway if he's sent back.

Krekar denied he has encouraged Ansar al-Islam to attack the Iraqi government. "My case is with Norway," he told TV2 Nettavisen. "For three years now, I haven't done anything against the Iraqi government."

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