An Iraqi judge is assassinated

NAJAF, Iraq, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- A judge heading an investigation involving former officials of Saddam Hussein's ousted regime was assassinated Monday.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. said Muhan Jabr al-Shuwaili, chairman of a tribunal in the central Iraqi city of Najaf, was kidnapped early Monday, along with Najaf Prosecutor General Aref Aziz, from the judge's home.

Aziz said he and al-Shuwaili were taken in cars to a desert area about five miles north of Najaf.

Said Aziz: "One of the assailants said, 'Saddam has ordered your prosecution.' Then they fired two shots into his head. As for me, they told me, 'This does not concern you.' They released me."