Comic killed in Iraq
TV star assassinated in Baghdad
An Iraqi comedian has been assassinated in Baghdad today.Walid Hassan was famous for his comedy serieson al-Sharqiya TV called Caricature.
The dark satire mocked coalition forces, insurgents and the Iraqi governments since the U.S.-led invasion.
Hassan, a Shiite Muslim in his 40s, was shot while driving in western Baghdad.
One grieving fan told the Associated Press news agency: ‘"He was an actor who made fun of the miserable situation in our country, not a politician. But some people don't like that, so he was assassinated to silence him.’
Another fan, Faris Naeem, said: ‘The criminals who are targeting actors, athletes and other public figures want to keep the blood flowing over any sign of humanity and culture.’
His assassination raised Iraq's reported death toll to 1,368 already in November, although the real figure is likely to be higher.
Published: 20 Nov 2006
