In a First, Iraq Executes 13 Insurgents

AP on Yahoo ^ | 3/9/06 | Sinan Salaheddin - ap

[NormsRevenge]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq hanged 13 insurgents Thursday, marking the first time militants have been executed in the country since the U.S.-led invasion ousted Saddam Hussein nearly three years ago, the government said.

The Cabinet announcement listed the name of only one of those hanged, Shukair Farid, a former policeman in the northern city of Mosul, who allegedly confessed that he had worked with Syrian foreign fighters to enlist fellow Iraqis to carry out assassinations against police and civilians.

"The competent authorities have today carried out the death sentences of 13 terrorists," the Cabinet said.

It said Farid had "confessed that foreigners recruited him to spread the fear through killings and abductions."

In September, Iraq hanged three convicted murderers, the first executions since the 2003 ouster of Saddam. They were convicted of killing three police officers, kidnapping and rape.

Iraqi authorities reinstated the death penalty after the end of the U.S.-led occupation in June 2004 so they would have the option of executing Saddam if he is convicted of crimes committed by his regime.

He and seven co-defendants are on trial for allegedly massacring more than 140 people in Dujail, north of Baghdad, after an alleged assassination attempt against him in 1982.

Death sentences must be approved by the three-member presidential council headed by President Jalal Talabani, who opposes capital punishment. In the September executions and again in Thursday's hangings, Talabani refused to sign the authorization himself but gave his two vice presidents the authority.

[Red Badger]

13? that's an unlucky number.........

[wireman]

That's another 936 virgins...

[xcamel]

And not even one surplus liberal?

[babyface00]

So, do they still get their virgins by getting themselves executed?

[lovecraft]

Unlucky for who though?

[cripplecreek]

Amnestly international ain't going to like this. LOL

[rocksblues]

Do they still get the virgins in heaven?

[yldstrk]

Whoa there! That ought to send a message ...

[lormand]

that is a good start

[Red Badger]

Depends on which end of the rope you're on.......

[jazusamo]

Certainly was unlucky for the 13. :)

[Publius6961]

A development I was hoping for since the war started.
It is a sovereign nation's obligation when dealing with foreign killers. Swift and certain justice is important in that culture.

And the moonbats haven't a clue how to go about blaming Bush for this necessary deelopment.

[nmh]

Good!

It's about time.

[AxelPaulsenJr]

Iraq needs to execute immediately, Saddam, it's number one insurgent. All else is meaningless.

[digger48]

[evets]

Iraqi president Jalal Talabani opposes capital punishment,
with the exception of Saddam Hussien.

[Plymouth Sentinel]

I was born Friday, July 13, 1962.

Always been lucky for me.

[Jaysun]

13? that's an unlucky number.........

Just the opposite, IMHO.

They don't piddle-dick around over there when it comes to administering justice. They do it Old Testament style.

[Red Badger]

Always been lucky for me.

But what about everyone else?......