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.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The marvelous powers of mucusThe Explainer It's snot just a pesky cold symptom
-
What to know about the 'no tax on tips' policyThe Explainer The new bill would make tip income exempt from federal income taxes
-
Dehorning rhinos sharply cuts poaching, study findsSpeed Read The painless procedure may be an effective way to reduce the widespread poaching of rhinoceroses
