Saddam nephew detained in Austria

on 22/06/2012 10:17:54

A nephew of Saddam Hussein has been detained in Austria and taken to a "safe place" to protect him from possible attack by Iraqis with grievances against the former dictator.

The 41-year-old told police he was Hussein's nephew after officers stopped him and two Iraqi companions in Traiskirchen, south of Vienna, yesterday. They were not carrying passports.

An identity check subsequently established that the man was telling the truth.

The three said they were seeking asylum.

They told officials that they had flown to Austria from Turkey.