PM says 74 Baathists arrested for carrying out Oct. 25 attacks

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Security forces have arrested 74 Baathists suspected of playing a direct role in the two massive bombs in Baghdad on October 25, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said on Tuesday. “Special investigation regarding the Sunday attacks on October 25 resulted in the arresting of 75 persons members of the dissolved Baath party,” al-Maliki told reporters in Baghdad. He said he had personally scrutinised transcripts of interviews with those who were arrested in the connection with the attacks at the justice ministry and the Baghdad provincial government headquarters, and referred to the questions asked. Two deadly blasts had targeted the Justice Ministry and Baghdad provincial council buildings near the green zone on Sunday (Oct. 25), leaving more than 140 people killed and 860 others wounded, the two facilities destroyed and dozens of civilian vehicles burnt with passengers on board. Al-Maliki said the October 25 toll included 30 children killed at two nurseries for justice ministry workers. SH (P)/SR 1