Monday 17 January 2005, 11:29 Makka Time, 8:29 GMT
Ali al-Khatib, the 30 year-oldson of an officier close to the relevant religious figure Grand Ayat Allah Ali al-Sistani, was assassinated in the town of Numaniya (south east of baghdad) by an unknown killer.
His father, Sayyd Habib al Khatib, al-Sistani's aide in Wasit province survived to a similar attack two months ago.
Il Romanaccio at 10:57 AM