Iraq health chief accuses ministers over stampede

AFP: Iraqi Health Minister Abdul Mutalib Mohammed Ali demanded Wednesday the resignation of the ministers of interior and defence, holding them responsible for the stampede which killed almost 650 Shiite pilgrims. AFP

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Health Minister Abdul Mutalib Mohammed Ali demanded Wednesday the resignation of the ministers of interior and defence, holding them responsible for the stampede which killed almost 650 Shiite pilgrims.

“I hold my colleagues in the ministries of interior and defence responsible for what happened today,” Ali told reporters.

“I call upon my colleagues in the interior and defence to either bear full responsibility or resign.”