Saddam Guilty; Iraqi Court Sentences Former Leader to Death

[Galen]

American Forces Press Service -

Saddam Guilty; Iraqi Court Sentences Former Leader to Death

By Jim Garamone

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2006 – An Iraqi court sentenced Saddam Hussein to death today for ordering the execution of 148 men in Dujail, Iraq, in 1982.

Thousands of people in Baghdad took to the streets to celebrate the verdict. The Iraqi High Tribunal sentenced two other defendants to death and four to prison and acquitted one.

In anticipation of the verdict, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had imposed a curfew in Baghdad and two Diyala and Salaheddin provinces. The two provinces are primarily Sunni and were the base of Saddam's support during his dictatorship. Shiite and Kurdish provinces were not under curfew.

"The Saddam Hussein era is in the past now, as was the era of Hitler and Mussolini," al-Maliki said following the verdict. "We want an Iraq where all Iraqis are equal before the law," he said. "The policy of discrimination and persecution is over."

U.S. forces captured Saddam hiding in a hole in the ground in December 2003. In a written statement, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad called the verdict "an important milestone for Iraq as the country takes another major step forward in the building of a free society based on the rule of law."

Khalilzad said the verdicts demonstrate the commitment of the Iraqi people to hold the members of the former regime accountable for their actions.

All involved in the case showed courage in proceeding with it, the ambassador said. Baathist "dead-enders" tried to intimidate members of the court, and insurgents killed three defense lawyers in the course of the trial, he noted.

"Their determination to pursue justice is a signal that the rule of law will prevail in Iraq despite the difficult situation that the country now faces," Khalilzad said. "A former dictator feared by millions, who killed his own citizens without mercy or justice, who waged wars against neighboring countries, has been brought to trial in his own country - held accountable in a court of law with ordinary citizens bearing witness."

The ambassador said that although Iraq may face difficult days in the coming weeks, "closing the book on Saddam and his regime is an opportunity to unite and build a better future. As the Iraqi people move forward, the United States will support them in their efforts to build a just and democratic society."

Saddam's case will be appealed automatically to the Appellate Chamber of the Iraqi High Tribunal. The defense has 30 days to file any motions.

[GarthP2000]

Alll RIGHT!!!!

Another one bites the dust! Another one bites the dust! ... (Queen's music in the background)

[Galen]

Dont forget that many are convinced that this news source may be suspect.

:)

[GarthP2000]

Well whatever, the news source has been verified.

((Still boogying))

Have a beer!

[krys]

That may be so. However, I don't expect any sentence to be carried out in my lifetime!

[SafariVista]

Such a long trial... :( The rules to that 'game' need to be re-written!

[dmiller]

Wondering -- if he will sit on *death row* for umpteen years,

before justice is carried out.

[rascal]

I heard on the radio that by Iraqi law, the sentance myst be carried out in 30 days. His attornies have that long to do their appeals.

[Raf]

It's a bit more complicated than that. There's an appeals process that's something like three months. The hearers of the appeal, once they decide to take it up, can take forever to debate it. Once they make their decision, assuming they uphold the sentence, that's when the 30 days kicks in.

[topoftheworld]

What I thought was interesting was the report I heard this morning. There are at least 10 more trials scheduled, but if and when he gets hung, the trials will proceed without him. Brings new meaning to "in absentia".

[J0nny Ling0]

Hang 'Em High!! Let Him swing for bit!

[watersedge]

"It's a bit more complicated than that. There's an appeals process that's something like three months. The hearers of the appeal, once they decide to take it up, can take forever to debate it. Once they make their decision, assuming they uphold the sentence, that's when the 30 days kicks in."

as rafael has written, that is how the the laws are stated in iraq. the appeal judges could (9) as i understand could uphold or overturn and there are no time constrictions as to the the decision

even saddam is due to the rule of "humanized" process

and the above mentioned verdict was rendered for infractions from 1982