Mohammad Munaf Sentenced In Romania For Terrorism Wanted By Interpol

The ministry has not yet been informed about the Iraqi court's decision to set Munaf free, the institution said.

Munaf, guide to three Romanian journalists kidnapped in Iraq in 2005, was arrested by the U.S. military for alleged connivance in kidnapping, alongside five other suspects.

Following trials in Iraq, Munaf had been sentenced to death by hanging, but his sentence was later overturned by a higher court, which cited erroneous data and inaccurate case documentation. It also ruled that Munaf would remain in custody until new investigations were conducted and completed.

Investigations revealed that the kidnapping had been contrived in Romania by Syrian businessman Omar Hayssam, who sent his brother, Muhammad Khaled al Umar, to Iraq as link with kidnappers.

Meanwhile, a Romanian court sentenced Hayssam to 20 years in prison and Munaf to ten years in prison for terrorism.

Hayssam fled Romania in the first half of 2006, while under a terrorism inquiry for his role in the kidnapping. According to authorities, he is in Syria at the moment.

Munaf was held in custody in an American camp on Iraq's territory and his family strived to have his case judged by a U.S. court.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported last year, citing American attorney Aziz Huq, that Munaf was transferred to Iraqi authorities.

Following the decision ruled by in Iraq in 2008, Munaf was set free. Romania does not have an extradition treaty with Iraq.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.