Iraqi squatters dig in to keep a roof over their heads

[dArKeR]

STAYING PUT: Greedy landlords and crumbling lodgings have forced Baghdad residents to shelter in bombed-out government buildings

AFP , BAGHDAD
Friday, Mar 26, 2004,Page 7

Thousands of homeless Iraqis squatting in former government buildings since the fall of former president Saddam Hussein's regime have dug into their new lodgings and are vowing not too move out.

Not only are they turning a deaf ear to marching orders by the US-led Provisional Coalition Authority and its hand-picked interim Iraqi Governing Council, but they are also protesting outside their doors.

"We are only defending our right to a home," said Hasna, 37, who has been deserted by her husband and left alone to care for five daughters.

"My husband fled to Iran because he was being hounded by the former regime for belonging to a banned Muslim Shiite party," Hasna said.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/03/26/2003107817