INDICT, which investigates Iraqi war crimes and crimes against humanity, today called upon the Egyptian government to arrest Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as "Chemical Ali", who is reportedly planning to travel to Cairo. Al-Majid, who was personally responsible for the chemical attack on Halabja in 1988 and the Anfal campaign of genocide against the Kurds, is under criminal investigation in Belgium and the United Kingdom.

"Ali Hassan al-Majid is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people. He is a sadistic killer, not a statesman, and the Egyptian authorities should not welcome him as a guest - they should arrest him," said Charles Forrest, Chief Executive Officer of INDICT, which is headquartered in London.

INDICT has collected witness statements and other evidence showing al-Majid's personal responsibility for war crimes, torture and genocide. "We have documents signed by al-Majid ordering mass killing and deportation. His personal guilt is absolutely clear. Any Egyptian who shakes hands with Ali Hassan al-Majid will have blood on his own hands," added Mr Forrest.

INDICT noted that Egypt has ratified the 1948 Genocide Convention, which obligates it to arrest those responsible for acts of genocide. "There is no immunity under the Genocide Convention for anyone. If Ali Hassan al-Majid comes to Cairo, he must be arrested," said Mr Forrest.