Death to Saddam

last updated 8 January 2015

Baghdad

Prosecutors wrapped up their case against Saddam Hussein this week, with a call that he be executed for some of the atrocities he committed as ruler of Iraq. Prosecutors also recommended the death penalty for three of Saddam’s co-defendants, including Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, his half brother and former head of the secret police. The other four defendants are expected to get off more lightly. All are charged with crimes against humanity in the killing of 150 Shiite villagers, in retaliation for a 1982 assassination attempt against Saddam. The deposed dictator reacted to the call for his execution with contempt, sneering, “Well done.” Even if found guilty, Saddam would probably not be hanged for another two years; he must first stand trial for the massacre of Iraqi Kurds.