Iraq's fugitive VP wants new court in terror case
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An Iraqi court postponed the terror trial against the country's fugitive vice president for a second time Thursday, with his lawyers demanding a special tribunal to hear the case that he says was brought by political enemies.
Tariq al-Hashemi's legal team said it is still waiting to hear whether Iraq's Supreme Court will agree to move the trial from Baghdad's criminal court to a new court appointed by parliament.
Al-Hashemi is one of Iraq's highest-ranking Sunnis and is accused of running death squads that targeted Shiite officials and pilgrims. He denies the charges.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The case threatens to paralyze Iraq's government by fueling simmering Sunni and Kurdish resentments against the Shiite prime minister, who critics claim is monopolizing power.
Al-Hashemi lawyer Muayad Obeid al-Ezzi said the next court hearing is May 15.