"IRAQ WILL SWIM IN A LAKE OF BLOOD," CLERIC WARNS

A leading figure in the movement led by Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said the group would not pardon anyone if their leader is harmed.

"In the event Sadr is harmed, Iraqi will them swim in a lake of blood," warned Sheikh Sadeq al-Hasnawi.Hasnawi is one of the top officials leading the movement in Sadr's absence.

Cleric: Iraq Will "Swim in a Lake of Blood" if Sadr is Killed

By Nidhal al-Laithi, AzzamanPosted on March 3, 2008, Printed on March 4, 2008

http://www.alternet.org/story/78336/

He said the cleric was currently in Iran "studying and mediating" in the religious city of Qom, which is the Iranian equivalent of Iraq's holy city of Najaf where Shiite clerics are educated and trained.

Hasnawi made the remarks in response to unconfirmed reports that Sadr was poisoned and was being hospitalized in Tehran.

"These reports that Moqtada al-Sadr has been poisoned are merely rumors spread by those who would like to see him disappear from the arena by having him assassinated," said Hasnawi.

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