Kidnapped Canadian Executed by Terrorists

(Baghdad) On August 2, 32-year-old Iraqi-Canadian citizen, Zaid Meerwali, was kidnapped from his home in Baghdad by ten terrorists disguised as policemen. The attackers beat Meerwali's wife and robbed his home of jewelry and cash before taking him away.

The kidnappers contacted the family and demanded $250,000 ransom. As arrangements were being made for the money, the kidnappers stopped phoning. Subsequently, Meerwali was found to have been murdered with a gunshot wound to the head.

News of the murder prompted Prime Minister Paul Martin to tell all Canadians to leave Iraq. No group has claimed responsibility for Meerwali's murder, however, Sunni and Baathist extremists have been mentioned.