Free Republic

Boris Johnson, a former journalist, gives police the item, which had belonged to Iraqi official Tarik Aziz. Johnson blames political opponents for launching an "idiotic" probe. LONDON -- In the smoke-filled rooms of backroom politics here, it was only natural that a cigar case with a storied past would become convenient fodder for scandal. After months of smoldering controversy, London Mayor Boris Johnson appeared to put the matter to rest this week by handing over to Scotland Yard the item in question: a leather cigar case belonging to Iraq's former deputy prime minister, Tarik Aziz, scavenged by the mayor himself...

Police have forced London Mayor Boris Johnson to hand over a cigar case belonging to Iraq's former deputy prime minister Tariq Aziz. The ex-MP, who obtained the red leather case from Mr Aziz's bombed-out home while visiting Iraq as a journalist in 2003, said the situation was "stupid". He said: "The police have no choice but to investigate this ludicrous affair." Under the Iraq (UN Sanctions) Order 2003, anyone possessing Iraqi cultural property must give it to the police. Mr Johnson deposited the case into custody on Monday afternoon, following instructions from the police. 'Wasting police time' Scotland Yard said...