Iraq prosecutors submit Saddam 'execution order'

Agence France Presse | February 28, 2006

[HAL9000]

Iraqi prosecutors submitted to the court trying Saddam Hussein Tuesday what they said was a signed execution order showing his guilt in the killing of 148 Shiite civilians in reprisal for a 1982 assassination bid.

The document, dated June 16, 1984 and allegedly signed by the ousted president, confirmed death sentences passed by a tribunal two days earlier.

A second document purported to be letter dated March 23, 1985, and confirmed the executions had taken place, adding that a doctor had been on hand to confirm the deaths.

The prosecutors said the villagers had been sentenced after a show trial in which they had had no rights to appear or be represented.

Saddam Hussein and seven former cohorts themselves face death by hanging if they are convicted by the court of crimes against humaity over the killings.

[Allegra]

Heard the trial in Arabic on the radio this afternoon. Even though I didn't understand any of it, it was interesting. Lots of shouting and I could tell the judge was giving Saddam and Co. the what-for.

Then it settled down.

Saddam, Tikriti and Ibrahim need duct tape on their mouths when they're in that courtroom.

[C210N]

The document, dated June 16, 1984... This was from his early reigning years. Generally, he'd have no problem whipping out his pistol for the deed, no messy paperwork needed. There was one event, I forget all the details, where there was some assembly of politicians, and S pulled some guy out and just shot him in front of hundreds.

[ExcursionGuy84]

For the USS Stark!

For the Country of Kuwait!

For the People of Kurdistan!

For the 507th Maintenance Battalion!

[JillValentine]

Damn. I thought the title meant the order for Saddam's execution.

[sarasota]

When I saw the title I was hoping they'd signed the execution order for Saddam.

[Allegra]

There was one event, I forget all the details, where there was some assembly of politicians, and S pulled some guy out and just shot him in front of hundreds.

That was the very first meeting he called of his "Cabinet" after assuming the Presidency. He shot several in front of everyone, claiming they ahd been disloyal in one way or another. He would call the person's name, have them come up onto the dais and shoot them. It was his way of establishing fear and loyalty from the start.

There is TV footage of that and it's really eerie. I had nightmares after I saw it.

[Allegra]

When I saw the title I was hoping they'd signed the execution order for Saddam.

That's coming. They're beginning to realize that they can't delay this out too long and that too many people won't really feel free until he's dead.

[jazusamo]

Have patience, it's coming. :)

[sarasota]

In the midst of all the craziness in Iraq, now would be a very good time to get this over with. Any projections on how long it's going to take?

[Red Badger]

Let it be on Pay-per-View..........

[YummiBox]

The AFP shows a lot more deference to Saddam than we'd ever see them giving a sitting Republican president:

"The document, dated June 16, 1984 and allegedly signed..."

"A second document purported to be..."

It's not hard to see why the US is losing the PR battle.

[Allegra]

In the midst of all the craziness in Iraq, now would be a very good time to get this over with. Any projections on how long it's going to take?

The craziness of last week appears to have stepped up the Iraq Ministry of Justice's commandment to get this done.

I can't really project, but a lot of Iraqis are extremely hopeful that it happens by the end of this year.

Otherwise, they may grow discouraged about it. Lots of them fear that he can come back into power as long as he's alive.

The personal horror stories I have been told about that evil piece of work....oh! {shudder!}

[Senormechanico]

Let it be on Pay-per-View..........

And a shredder...........

[sarasota]

I know. Beyond depressing and frightening. The end of the year? Far too long!

[Always Right]

The prosecutors said the villagers had been sentenced after a show trial in which they had had no rights to appear or be represented.

It is only right that the same courtesy should be shown to Saddam.

[RichInOC]

Iraq prosecutors submit Saddam 'execution order'

Would you fellas like fries with that?

[BulletBobCo]

SoDamns defense..."That document came from CBS."

[Allegra]

I know. Beyond depressing and frightening. The end of the year? Far too long!

I agree. This whole "fair trial," "freedom" and "democracy" stuff is very new to them. They're learning as they go along.

But this current judge appears to have a good grip on it. And the MOJ refused a request from the defense (Saddam in particular) to have that judge removed, so he's obviously doing a good job.

Swing, Saddam, swing! Publicly in Tahreer Square.

[sarasota]

Your thought on the current violence in Baghdad? Do you/they see an end to it anytime soon?