The representative of Iraq’s top Shia spiritual leader called on Friday for the release of the Qataris kidnapped in Iraq, AlKhaleeonline.com has reported.
A group of armed Iraqis kidnapped 26 Qataris in Iraq for a “hunting” trip earlier this month. The men were in a camp near the Saudi border at the time. At least nine others fled and crossed into Kuwait.
Speaking on behalf of Ayatollah Ali Sistani, his representative Ahmed Al-Safi called for the men to be released, “wherever they are.” His appeal was broadcast on Karbala TV. “We condemn politically-motivated kidnapping, including the latest incident, the victims of which were in Iraq legally.”
On Tuesday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari denied that the government had anything to do with the kidnapping.