Mixed feelings in Iraq over Saddam death sentence
Baghdad (dpa) - In a clear sign that at least some of the Iraqi populace strongly support the death sentence for Saddam Hussein, hundreds of Iraqis have applied to act as executioner for the former dictator.
The applicants stem from all three leading religious communities in Iraq and from all ethnic groups, Bassam al-Husseini, an adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, was quoted as saying by US news network ABC on Wednesday.
The death sentence handed down November 5 to Saddam for crimes against humanity was upheld by Iraq's appeals court on Tuesday.
Saddam, 69, and six of his former top government aides were found guilty of ordering the killing of 148 Shiites in the town of Dujail in 1982 in retaliation for an attempt on Saddam's life. Under Iraqi law, the sentence of death by hanging must now be carried out within 30 days.
Al-Husseini's comments provide illuminating evidence of the depth of anti-Saddam feeling still present in Iraq, even in light of the chaotic security situation sparked by his ouster.
"I believe executing Saddam will satisfy thousands of Iraqi families who lost their children during his tyrannical regime," Baghdad resident Ikbal Abdel-Aziz, 42, said.
"We want him buried at some secret place so that his followers won't be able to visit his grave, in the same way he deprived hundreds of distressed families from burying their children who were buried in mass graves."
His sentiments were echoed by 51-year-old Shehab Ahmed, who said it would be better to execute Saddam in secret and to hand his body over to his family so as to prevent any security risks that could attach to a public execution.
"The deteriorating security situation in Iraq requires wisdom ... though the Iraqi people would wish to see this man's ending," he said.
Iraqis are however far from united on the issue, with the upholding of the verdict prompting many to condemn the death sentence.
Ahmed al-Hashemi, 23, believes that there is little use in executing the one-time dictator.
"The young generation is curious to know about this man and how he could seize control of the Iraqi regime for all these years, despite facing international accusations," al-Hashemi explained.
The verdict of the Iraqi appeals court is considered final. However the Iraqi president, the prime minister and the parliamentary speaker must ratify the decision prior to the execution.
President Jalal Talabani had earlier announced that he would not sign Saddam's execution order as he was a signatory to an international agreement against the death penalty. Talabani said instead he would assign one of his deputies to do so on his behalf. // © 2006 DPA
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