U.S. Forces Detain Coordinator of Sistani-Backed Iraq Election List

U.S. forces arrested Mohammed Hashem al-Yehya in Baghdad on 4 December 2004, a representative of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani confirmed from Najaf. Al-Yehya coordinated a six-member committee established by the Marjaiya, Iraq's highest Shiite religious authority, to compile an electoral list bearing Sistani's endorsement ahead of the 30 January national elections.

A Sistani representative warned that continued detention would carry "serious consequences," though no reason was given for the arrest. The U.S. military said it had received reports of the incident but could provide no additional details.

Shiite political leaders had said earlier that week they were in the final stages of completing the slate. Analysts argued that any list with Sistani's backing would hold a significant advantage at the polls, given his position as one of the most powerful and widely respected figures in the country.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in December 2004, in its own words.