Mary Poppins (musical) and Execution of Saddam Hussein: Difference between pages
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[[Image:Saddam Hussein at trial, July 2004.JPEG|thumb|200px|right|[[Saddam Hussein]], during his trial in July 2004]]
Former [[President of Iraq]] '''[[Saddam Hussein]]''' ([[April 28]], [[1937]]–[[December 30]], [[2006]]) was [[Capital punishment in Iraq|'''executed''']] by [[hanging]] after being convicted of [[Crime against humanity|crimes against humanity]] by the [[Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal|Iraqi Special Tribunal]] following [[trial of Saddam Hussein|his trial]] for the murder of 148 Iraqi [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'ites]] in the town of [[Dujail]] in 1982 in retaliation for an assassination attempt against him.<ref name="ap burial">{{cite news | url = http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Saddam.html | title = Saddam buried in village of his birth | work = [[Associated Press]] |date= 2006-12-31 | accessdate = 2006-12-31 }}</ref>
Saddam was president of [[Iraq]] from [[July 16]], [[1979]] until [[April 9]], [[2003]], when he was deposed during the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]] by [[Multinational force in Iraq|U.S.-led forces]]. After his [[Saddam_Hussein#Capture and incarceration|capture]] in [[ad-Dawr]] near his hometown of [[Tikrit]], Saddam was held in United States custody at [[Camp Cropper]] to face trial by the Iraqi Special Tribunal for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. On [[November 5]], [[2006]], he was sentenced to death by hanging.
On [[December 30]], [[2006]], Saddam was taken to [[Camp Justice]] to be executed. The Iraqi government released an official video of the execution, including Saddam being lead to the gallows and stopping after the noose was placed around his neck. Much controversy has arisen, however, due to the surfacing of a mobile phone recording of the hanging which included audio, and showed Saddam falling through the trap door in the gallows. The audio, which was not in the official video, revealed taunts between Saddam and the executioners, which raised much criticism over the environment of his execution.
On [[December 31]], [[2006]], Saddam's body was flown to his birth place of [[Al-Awja]] to be buried near his family.
==Trial==
{{main|Trial of Saddam Hussein}}
Held in custody by U.S. forces at [[Camp Cropper]] in Baghdad, on [[June 30]], [[2004]], Saddam Hussein and eleven senior [[Baath Party|Ba'athist]] officials were handed over to the [[Iraqi Interim Government]] to stand trial for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. A few weeks later, he was charged by the [[Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal|Iraqi Special Tribunal]] with the mass killings of the inhabitants of the village of [[Dujail]] in [[1982]] following a failed assassination attempt against him.
On [[November 5]], [[2006]], Saddam Hussein was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging. Verdict and sentencing were both appealed but subsequently affirmed by Iraq's Supreme Court of Appeals.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://apnews.myway.com/article/20061227/D8M8RSR80.html| title=Iraq court upholds Saddam death sentence | publisher= [[Associated Press]] | date=December 26, 2006 | accessdate=2006-12-30 | author=Christopher Torcia }}</ref>
Although the United States approved of the trial, an attempt was made to postpone, stay, or overturn the execution order. Attempts were made to contact the Iraqi government to validate the legality of the execution under the new [[Constitution of Iraq|Iraqi constitution]]. The parliament, claiming that the security issues presented a need to act swiftly, dismissed the request. Further attempts were made to get a stay of execution from the anti-death penalty President [[Jalal Talibani]] or a clearance that he had no objections. The Iraqi government determined that no clearance from Talibani was necessary.<ref>{{cite news
|title = Top Iraqi source: U.S. tried to delay execution
|url = http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/01/02/saddam.execution/index.html
|publisher = [[CNN]]
|date = 2007-01-02
|accessdate = 2007-01-02}}</ref>
On the afternoon of [[December 29]], [[2006]], at a federal court in [[Washington, D.C.]], United States, lawyers for Saddam Hussein sought unsuccessfully to block his transfer from U.S. custody to the custody of Iraqi officials.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=0853624d-1ccd-4ee7-bf52-ec45cac23afd| title = Lawyers for Saddam seek court order in United States to block execution| accessdate = 2006-12-30|date= 2006-12-29| publisher = [[Associated Press]]}} </ref><ref>[http://news.lp.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/iraq/inresaddam122906app.html Application for Stay of Execution]</ref> Meanwhile, officials from the U.S. also tried to delay the execution due to concerns the execution would be seen as Shi'ite retribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/01/02/saddam.execution/index.html | title= Iraq probes Hussein execution | publisher= [[CNN]] | date=2007-01-02 | accessdate=2007-01-03}}</ref>
==Execution==
===Prior to execution===
Two days prior to the execution, a letter written by Saddam appeared on the [[Baath Party]] Web site. In the letter, he urged the Iraqi people to embrace unity, to hate not the people of countries that invaded Iraq, but instead the decision-makers. He said he was ready to die a [[martyr#In Islam|martyr]] and he said that he was at peace with his death sentence.<ref>{{cite news |title=Saddam Bids Iraqis Farewell in Letter, Urges Unity |url=http://www.redbolivia.com/noticias/News%20in%20English/36246.html |publisher=RedBolivia |date=December 28, 2006}}</ref> In the hours before the execution, Saddam ate his [[last meal]], chicken and rice with a cup of hot water and honey. He then said [[prayer]]s and verses from the [[Qur'an]].<ref name="alarabiya-lasthour">{{cite news |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/Articles/2006/12/31/30360.htm |title=شريط يظهر نطقه للشهادتين ومصوّر الإعدام يروي لحظة النهاية تفاصيل الساعة الأخيرة في حياة الرئيس السابق صدام حسي (Tape shows last details of Saddam's life) |publisher=Al-Arabiya |date=December 31, 2006 |language=Arabic}}</ref>
===Time and place of execution===
Saddam was executed by [[hanging]] at approximately 06:00 local time (03:00 [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]]) on [[December 30]], [[2006]], the day [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] Iraqis begin celebrating [[Eid ul-Adha]].<ref name="msnbc coverage">{{cite news | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16389128/ | title = Saddam Hussein executed, ending era in Iraq | work = [[MSNBC]] |date= 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-29 }}</ref><ref name="bbc">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6218485.stm | title = Saddam Hussein executed in Iraq | work = [[BBC News]]|date= 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-29 }}</ref><ref name="skynews">{{cite news | url = http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13559626,00.html | title = Saddam Body Flown Home | work = [[Sky News]] |date= 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-29 }}</ref> Eid ul-Adha is one of Islam's most important holidays, which celebrates [[Ibrahim|Ibrahim's]] willingness to sacrifice his son [[Ishmael]] to God.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.mlive.com/living/sanews/index.ssf?/base/features-0/1166872965243380.xml&coll=9 | title = Eid al-Adha most important feast on Muslim calendar | work = [[Saginaw News]] |date= 2006-12-23 | accessdate = 2007-01-05 }}</ref> The exact time of the execution is conflicting, with some sources reporting the time as 06:00, as 6:05, or some as late as 06:10.<ref name="skynews"/><ref name="msnbc coverage"/><ref name="executed 610">{{cite news | url = http://www.tiscali.co.uk/news/newswire.php/news/reuters/2006/12/31/world/saddam-hanged-but-no-let-up-in-iraq-violence.html | title = Saddam hanged but no let-up in Iraq violence | work = [[Reuters]] |date= 2006-12-31 | accessdate = 2007-01-05 }}</ref> The execution took place at the Iraqi army base [[Camp Justice]], located in [[Kazimain]], a north-eastern suburb of [[Baghdad]]. Camp Justice was previously used by Saddam as his military intelligence headquarters, then known as Camp Banzai, where Iraqi civilians were taken to be tortured and executed on the same gallows.<ref name="dawn">{{cite news | url = http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-12-30T054650Z_01_IBO034602_RTRUKOC_0_US-IRAQ.xml&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-C2-NextArticle-2 | title = Saddam hanged at dawn | work = [[Reuters]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> Contrary to initial reports, Saddam was executed alone, not at the same time as his co-defendants [[Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti]] and [[Awad Hamed al-Bandar]], who were executed on [[January 15]], [[2007]].<ref name="dawn"/>
===Execution proceedings===
{{wikinews|Saddam Hussein executed by hanging}}
The last legal step, before the execution proceeded, was for Saddam to be handed a red card. This was completed by an official of the court with details of the judgment and a notice that execution was imminent.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/29/news/saddam.php | title = Iraq is preparing for Saddam's hanging | work = [[International Herald Tribune]] |date= 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-31 }}</ref> According to a senior Iraqi official, Saddam seemed "very calm and did not tremble" before his execution,<ref name="dawn"/> although some reports claim he struggled slightly while being retrieved from his cell.<ref name="msnbc coverage"/> Iraq's national security adviser, [[Mowaffak al-Rubaie]], told [[Al Arabiya]] television that Saddam refused to wear a black hood over his head and told him, "Don't be afraid."<ref name="cnn">{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/29/hussein/index.html | title = Hussein executed with 'fear in his face' | work = [[CNN]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> The former president recited the [[Shahadah]], or Muslim profession of faith, but made no other remark as policemen escorted him to the scaffold.<ref name="dawn"/>
A senior Iraqi official who was involved in the events leading to Saddam's death was quoted as saying, "The Americans wanted to delay the execution by 15 days because they weren't keen on having him executed straight away. But during the day [prior to the execution] the prime minister's office provided all the documents they asked for and the Americans changed their minds when they saw the prime minister was very insistent. Then it was just a case of finalizing the details."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=78137 | title=Iraqi Sunnis vent anger over video of Saddam's hanging | publisher=[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]] | date=2007-01-03 | accessdate=2007-01-03}}</ref> U.S. military spokesman [[Major_General#United_States|Maj. Gen.]] [[William B. Caldwell|William Caldwell]] told journalists in Baghdad that after "physical control" of Saddam was given to the Iraqi government, "the [[Multinational force in Iraq|multinational force]] had absolutely no direct involvement with [the execution] whatsoever."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://cbs2.com/national/topstories_story_003084722.html | title=U.S. Distances Itself From Saddam Hanging | publisher=[[CBS]] | date=2007-01-03 | accessdate=2007-01-03}}</ref> There were no U.S. representatives present in the execution room.<ref name="cnn"/><ref>{{cite news | first = Sudarsan | last = Raghavan | title = Saddam Hussein is Put to Death | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/29/AR2006122900142.html | publisher = [[Washington Post]] | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref>
Reports circulated that Saddam's behavior was "submissive" and that he was carrying the [[Qur'an]] he had been keeping with him throughout his trial prior to his execution. Al-Rubiae, who was a witness to Saddam's execution, described Saddam as repeatedly shouting "down with [[Persian people|Persians]] and the Americans."<ref>{{cite news |title ='A Historic Day For Iraq'|url =http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,30000-witness_301206_0700,00.html| publisher =[[Sky News]]|date=2006-12-30|accessdate =2006-12-30}}</ref> Al-Rubaie reportedly asked Saddam if he had any remorse or fear, to which Saddam replied, "No, I am a militant and I have no fear for myself. I have spent my life in [[jihad]] and fighting aggression. Anyone who takes this route should not be afraid."<ref name="nyt">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/world/middleeast/31gallows.html?ex=1325221200&en=472d36ebe903eabd&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss | title=On the Gallows, Curses for U.S. and ‘Traitors’ | publisher=[[The New York Times]] | author=Marc Santora | date=2006-12-31 | accessdate=2007-01-03}}</ref>
[[Sami al-Askari]], a witness to the execution, said, "Before the rope was put around his neck, Saddam shouted, '[[takbir|Allah is great]]. The [[ummah|Muslim Ummah]] will be victorious and [[Palestine]] is [[Arab]].'"<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.enidnews.com/localnews/local_story_364011638.html?keyword=topstory | title = Saddam Hussein dies on the gallows, exiting the Iraqi stage after a long, brutal reign | work = [[Associated Press]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> Saddam also stressed that the Iraqis should fight the Americans and the Persians.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6220087.stm | title = Witness to Saddam's death | work = [[BBC]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> After the rope was secured, guards shouted various rebukes including "Muqtada! Muqtada! Muqtada!" in reference to [[Muqtada al-Sadr]]; Saddam repeated the name mockingly and rebuked the shouts stating, "Do you consider this bravery?"<ref name="nyt"/><ref>[http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/CCE38D74-9851-4749-A85F-0B2D729B2C90.htm Attempts to anger Saddam moments before his execution]''Al Jazeera'', January 1, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2116900.ece Guards taunted Saddam in final seconds]''The Independent'', January 1, 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/30/hussein/index.html Witness: Hussein's last words mock Shiite cleric]", ''CNN'', December 30, 2006. Retrieved December 30, 2006.</ref><ref name="cnncellphone">{{cite video|
people=Carol Lin|
year=2006-12-30|
format=Windows Media|
title=[[Camera phone]] in Hussein's execution chamber|
publisher=CNN|
url=http://www.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/world/2006/12/30/lin.hussein.execution.web.video.affl&wm=10|
accessdate=2006-12-30}}</ref> A [[Shia Islam|Shi'a]] version of an Islamic prayer was also recited by some of those present in the room, an apparent sectarian insult against the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] Saddam.<ref>{{cite news |title ='Saddam hanging taunts evoke ugly past'|url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6221751.stm| publisher =BBC|date=2006-12-30|accessdate =2007-01-01}}</ref> One observer told Saddam, "Go to hell! [[Insha'Allah]]." Saddam replied, "The hell that is Iraq?"<ref>{{cite news |title ='"Fallen tyrant" taunted in Saddam video'| url =http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2006-12-31T153108Z_01_L31803504_RTRUKOC_0_US-IRAQ-SADDAM-TAUNTS.xml&WTmodLoc=NewsHome-C3-worldNews-3| publisher =Reuters|date=2006-12-31|accessdate =2007-01-02}}</ref> Another man asked for quiet, saying, "Please, stop. The man is facing an execution."
Saddam began to recite the Shahadah again, an act of faith performed by [[Muslims]] prior to the time of death (if anticipated). As he neared the end of his second recitation, the platform dropped.<ref name="cnncellphone"/><ref name="cellphone">{{cite video|
people=Unidentified videographer| year=2006| title=Video| format=MMS| publisher=Anwarweb.net| url=http://www.metacafe.com/watch/362748/saddam_hussein_execution_amateur_footage/| accessdate=2006-12-30}}</ref> According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', the executioners "cheer their Shi'ite heroes so persistently that one observer [in the execution chambers] makes a remark about how the effort to rein in militias does not seem to be going well."<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/01/world/middleeast/01sunnis.html?ex=1325307600&en=9a4812fde9db44e5&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss | title = For Sunnis, Dictator’s Degrading End Signals Ominous Dawn for the New Iraq | work = [[The New York Times]] |date= 2007-01-01 | accessdate = 2007-01-01 }}</ref> During the drop there was an audible crack indicating that his neck was broken.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272610730.shtml | title = Saddam Hussein Hanging Video Shows Defiance, Taunts and Glee | work = [[National Ledger]] |date= 2007-01-01 | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}</ref> After Saddam was suspended for a few minutes, the doctor present listened with a [[stethoscope]] for a heartbeat. After he detected none, the rope was cut, and his body was placed in a [[coffin]].<ref name="alarabiya-lasthour"/>
==Burial==
Saddam's body was buried in his birthplace of [[Al-Awja]] in [[Tikrit]], [[Iraq]], near family members, including his two sons [[Uday Hussein|Uday]] and [[Qusay Hussein]], on [[December 31]] [[2006]] at 04:00 local time (01:00 [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]]).<ref name="burial">{{cite news | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11669236/ | title = Iraqis gather in Saddam hometown after burial | work = [[Reuters]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref><ref name="buried with family">{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/30/hussein.funeral/index.html | title = Report: Saddam Hussein to be buried with sons | work = [[CNN]] |date= 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-29 }}</ref><ref name="bbc burial">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6220677.stm | title = Report: Saddam is buried in home village | work = [[BBC]] |date= 2006-12-31 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> His body was transported to Tikrit by a U.S. Military helicopter. Saddam was handed over from Iraqi Government possession to [[Sheikh]] Ali al-Nida, head of the Albu Nasir tribe and governor of [[Salaheddin]], to be buried.<ref name="burial"/><ref name="cnn burial">{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/31/hussein.funeral/index.html | title = Hussein buried in same cemetery as sons | work = [[CNN]] |date= 2006-12-31 | accessdate = 2006-12-31 }}</ref> Sheikh Ali al-Nida said, "He was cleaned and wrapped according to Islamic teachings. We didn't see any unnatural signs on his body." He was buried about three kilometers (2 mi) from his two sons in the same cemetery.<ref name="ap burial"/> The Iraqi government said they are not worried about political pilgrimages to his gravesite.<ref name="bbc burial"/>
Saddam's eldest daughter [[Raghad Hussein]], under [[Right of asylum|asylum]] in [[Jordan]], had asked that "his body be buried in [[Yemen]] temporarily until Iraq is liberated and it can be reburied in Iraq," a family spokesperson said by telephone.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30825677.htm | title = Saddam daughter asking body be buried in Yemen | work = [[Reuters]] |date= 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-29 }}</ref> The family also said his body might be buried in [[Ramadi]], citing safety concerns, though there are no plans to do this.<ref name="burial"/>
==Media coverage==
The primary news source for the execution was the state-run Iraqi television news station [[Al Iraqiya]]. A scrolling headline read, "Saddam's execution marks the end of a dark period of Iraq's history." The [[BBC]] noted that a doctor, a lawyer, and various officials, were present, and that a video recording of the execution was made.<ref name="bbc"/> [[Al Arabiya]] reported that Saddam's lawyer had confirmed Saddam's death. His death was also confirmed by Al Iraqiya. An announcer said, "criminal Saddam was hanged to death."<ref name="fox">{{cite news | url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,240057,00.html | title = Saddam Hussein Executed by Hanging in Iraq | work = [[Fox News Channel|FOX news]] |date= [[2006-12-29]] | accessdate = 2006-12-29 }}</ref>
Major news networks carried official video of the moments leading up to Saddam's execution. Pictures of Saddam's dead body in a shroud were also released by the Iraqi government. Saddam's death was recorded in [[HDTV]], but has not yet been released to the viewing public.<ref name="hdtv">{{cite web| url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16401644/site/newsweek| title = Videographer comments| accessdate = 2006-12-30|date= 2006-12-30| publisher = [[MSNBC]]}} </ref>
==
While officially released footage of the event stopped short of showing the actual execution,<ref name="bbc"/> an amateur video shot using a [[camera phone]] from a staircase leading up to the gallows surfaced, containing low-quality footage of the entire hanging.<ref name="cellphone"/> The amateur footage was also notable for the fact that, unlike the official footage, it included sound: witnesses could be heard taunting Saddam.<ref name="cellphone2">{{cite news | url = http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20070102/saddam-web-tv.htm | title = Saddam Execution Images Shown on TV, Web | author = Bauder, David | work = International Business Times |date= 2007-01-02 | accessdate = 2006-01-02 }}</ref> On [[January 3]], [[2007]], the Iraqi government arrested the guard who they believe made the mobile phone video.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010300358.html| title = Official Held in Saddam Hanging Video | author = Abdul-Zahra, Qassim| work = [[Washington Post]] |date= [[2007-01-03]] | accessdate = 2007-01-03}}</ref> Iraqi National Security Advisor Mowaffak al-Rubaie later held a press conference where he announced that three arrests had been made in connection with the investigation into the video taping and leak.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13259309/| title = Arrests made in Saddam video case | author = Richard Engel and the Associated Press| work = [[NBC News]] |date= [[2007-01-03]] | accessdate = 2007-01-03}}</ref> A week later, another video surfaced on the Internet, which showed Saddam's body with a large neck wound. The video appeared to have been taken by a camera phone as well.<ref name="newvideo">{{cite news | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6331584,00.html | title = New Video of Saddam's Corpse on Internet | author = Qassum Abdul-Zahra | work = [[Associated Press]]] |date= 2007-01-09 | accessdate = 2007-01-09 }}</ref>
==Reaction==
Reactions to Saddam's death were varied. Some strongly supported the execution, particularly those personally affected by Saddam's actions as leader. Some of these victims, however, wished to see him brought to trial for his other actions, alleged to have resulted in a much greater number of deaths than those he was convicted for. Some believed the execution would boost morale in Iraq, while others feared it would incite further violence. Many in the international community supported Saddam being brought to justice, but objected in particular to the use of [[capital punishment]], which is now abolished throughout most of Europe, South America, and Australia. Saddam's supporters condemned the action as unjust.
"The world will know that Saddam Hussein lived honestly, died honestly, and maintained his principles. He did not lie when he declared his trial null," said Saddam's lawyers in a statement.<ref name="msnbc coverage"/>
A spokeswoman for Saddam's daughters reported, "They felt very proud as they saw their father facing his executioners so bravely."<ref name="bbc reactions"/> In [[Amman]], the capital of [[Jordan]], Saddam's eldest daughter, [[Raghad Hussein]], joined protests against her father's execution.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6222975.stm Saddam's supporters vow revenge] ''BBC News'', [[2007-01-01]]</ref> Protesters expressed sentiment that Saddam is a [[martyr]] and that he was the only Arab leader who said no to the United States.<ref name="alarabiya-raghad">{{cite news |title=طفل باكستاني يشنق نفسه أثناء اللعب مقلدا إعدام صدام حسين (Raghad Saddam Hussein attends a protest in Jordan to protest the execution of her father) |publisher=Al-Arabiya |date=January 1, 2007 |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/Articles/2007/01/01/30399.htm |language=Arabic}}</ref>
According to reports from an official, there was dancing and [[Shia Islam|Shi'a]] chants around Saddam's body after the execution took place.<ref name="cnn"/> Two days after the execution, the Iraqi government launched an inquiry into the taunting and the way the execution was filmed.<ref name="pakistantimes">{{cite news |url=http://www.pakistantimes.net/2007/01/02/top9.htm |title=Iraq to probe filming of Saddam Hanging |publisher=Pakistan Times |date=January 2, 2007}}</ref>
United States' forces braced for a backlash of violence in Iraq due to the execution. [[President of the United States|United States President]] [[George W. Bush]] stated that Saddam's death will not end the violence in Iraq.<ref name="president">{{cite web | url = http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/12/20061229-15.html | title = President Bush's Statement on Execution of Saddam Hussein | accessdate = 2006-12-30 | author = George W. Bush | authorlink = George W. Bush | title = President Bush's Statement on Execution of Saddam Hussein | accessdate = 2006-12-30 | author = George W. Bush | authorlink = George W. Bush |date= 2006-12-29 | publisher = [[White House#The Whitehouse.gov website|Whitehouse.gov]] | quote = Bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a democracy [...]}}</ref> In Tikrit, Iraq, where Saddam was buried, police barred entrances to and departures from the city for four days as a safety precaution.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.spokesmanreview.com/ap/story.asp?AP_ID=D8MBGAF80 | title = Saddam Hussein executed for war crimes | work = [[Associated Press]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>
===Iraqi reaction===
====Politicians====
In a statement, [[Prime Minister of Iraq|Prime Minister]] [[Nouri al-Maliki]] said, "Justice, in the name of the people, has carried out the death sentence against the criminal Saddam, who faced his fate like all tyrants, frightened and terrified during a hard day which he did not expect."<ref name="bbc reactions">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6219861.stm | title = Saddam death 'ends dark chapter' | work = [[BBC]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> He also stated, "Your generous and pure land has got rid—and for ever—of the filth of the dictator and a black page of Iraq's history has been turned and the tyrant has died."<ref name="Iraq response">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6218597.stm | title = Saddam hanged: Reaction in quotes | work = [[BBC]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> He also said that Saddam Hussein does not represent any group or sect of the Iraqi people.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/Articles/2006/12/30/30347.htm |language=Arabic |title=مقتل وجرح 75 عراقيا في الكوفة (The killing and wounding of 75 Iraqis in Kufa) |date=December 30, 2006 |publisher=Al Arabiya}}</ref>
"[Iraqis] have been waiting for justice to be executed, and I think that Iraqis have received the news that they've been waiting for, for too many years," said Iraqi Oil Minister [[Hussain al-Shahristani]].<ref name="Iraq response"/>
"The execution of Saddam Hussein is a big crime. Saddam Hussein was a prisoner of war and was arrested by the US forces, and not by the Iraqi government. It is a crime with which they wanted to cover up many things," a [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] politician, [[Khalaf al-Ulayyan]] said.<ref name="Iraq response"/>
"I don't think it will make much difference because the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that very drastic measures have to be taken to confront the militias and restore law and order," said [[Adnan Pachachi]]. "Of course, he has some supporters in Iraq—some of them are armed and they may commit acts of violence and so on—but I don't think it will make much difference, frankly."<ref name="Iraq response"/>
The first chief judge who presided over Saddam Hussein's trial, [[Rizgar Mohammed Amin]], has said the execution was illegal, citing the beginning of the Eid al-Adha festival for Iraqi Sunnis, during which executions are banned, and Iraqi law that executions may only be carried out 30 days ''after'' the appeal court's decision on the sentencing. The appeals court's [[December 26]], [[2006]] ruling stated that the sentence was to be carried out within 30 days.<ref name="judge reaction">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1885354,00050004.htm |title=Former Saddam judge says execution violates Iraqi law |publisher=[[Agence France-Presse]] |date=January 1, 2007}}</ref>
The execution will also prevent trials for other cases, including the [[chemical weapon]]s attacks on [[Halabja]] in 1988.<ref name="bbc-arabreactions">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6219471.stm |title=Arab reaction to Saddam execution |publisher=BBC |date=December 30, 2006}}</ref> The Center of Halabja against Anfalization and Genocide of the Kurds (C.H.A.K.) disapproved of the execution, without having Saddam tried for other cases including the massacre of 8,000 [[Barzani Kurds]] in 1983, chemical attacks on [[Sardasht]], the 1988 massacres on [[Al-Anfal Campaign|Anfal]], and other crimes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kurdmedia.com/news.asp?id=13821 |title=The execution of Saddam Hussein without judgment on the Anfal Genocide |publisher=KurdishMedia |date=December 30, 2006}}</ref> At the time of his execution, Saddam was on trial, facing charges of [[genocide]] at Anfal, which resulted in an estimated 180,000 deaths.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-victims31dec31,0,3803754.story?coll=la-home-headlines |title=Victims have mixed feelings about Saddam's death |publisher=Los Angeles Times |author=Zavis, Alexandra |date=December 30, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D312F0DF-0802-4F6C-8299-626DC7F73CD3.htm |title=US urged not to hand over Saddam |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=December 28, 2006}}</ref> "Of course, Saddam has committed too many crimes. He deserves for those crimes capital punishment. But so quickly done, so quickly executed . . . and only in one case—it would leave the other cases and leave a lot of secrets without being known," said an [[Iraqi Kurdistan|Iraqi Kurdish]] politician, Mahmoud Osman.<ref name="Iraq response"/>
====Populace====
Shias in Iraq celebrated the execution while Sunni towns saw protests.<ref name="bbc reactions"/><ref name="msnbc coverage"/> In [[Sadr City]], [[Basra]], and [[Najaf]] citizens danced in the streets and honked their car horns with jubilance. In [[Tikrit]], [[Samarra]], and [[Ramadi]], however, there are reports of protests.<ref name="bbc reactions"/> David MacDougall, a Fox News reporter located in [[Baghdad]], has stated that there has been what is thought to be celebratory gunfire in Baghdad. However, the BBC's correspondent in Baghdad, [[John Simpson]], indicated there had been no more gunfire than is normally heard on the city's streets.
People in Iraq expressed mixed sentiments, with some glad to see justice done. "Now, he is in the garbage of history," said Jawad Abdul-Aziz, a civilian who lost his father, three brothers and 22 cousins because of Saddam.<ref name="msnbc coverage"/> Ali Hamza, a professor in the [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'a]] town of [[Al Diwaniyah]] said, "Now all the victims’ families will be happy because Saddam got his just sentence."<ref name="msnbc coverage"/> Some were content to see Saddam gone, but expressed concerns about the instability in Iraq. A 34-year-old candy store owner in Baghdad, Haider Hamed, a Shi'a who lost his uncle due to Saddam, commented, "He's gone, but our problems continue. We brought problems on ourselves after Saddam because we began fighting Shi'a on Sunni and Sunni on Shi'a."<ref name="ap burial"/>
Other Iraqis expressed outrage and viewed Saddam as a [[martyr]]. "The president, the leader Saddam Hussein is a [[martyr]] and God will put him along with other martyrs. Do not be sad nor complain because he has died the death of a holy warrior," said [[Sheik]] Yahya al-Attawi, a [[cleric]] at a [[mosque]].<ref name="msnbc coverage"/> Protests occurred in [[Samarra]], where Sunnis broke into the [[Al-Askari Mosque]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Sunnis-angry-over-Saddam-hanging/2007/01/02/1167500093669.html |title=Sunnis angry over Saddam hanging |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald |date=January 2, 2007}}</ref> and a riot broke out at Padush prison in [[Mosul]].<ref name="pakistantimes"/>
Several hours after the execution was reported, a [[car bomb]] exploded in a market in the [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'ite]] town of [[Kufa]] in southern Iraq, resulting in at least 30 fatalities; another bomb in a busy market of Baghdad killed another 36.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/30/iraq.main/index.html | title = Car bomb kills at least 30 in Kufa | work = [[CNN]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> It is unknown whether this is related to Saddam's execution.
===World reaction===
{{Wikiquote|Transwiki:Execution of Saddam Hussein|Execution of Saddam Hussein}}
At the time of Saddam's capture in December 2003, U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] expressed his opinion that Saddam deserved "the ultimate justice," alluding to the death penalty.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bush calls for death sentence for Saddam |publisher=Financial Times |date=December 17, 2003 |author=Alden, Edward, Marianne Brun-Rovet, James Harding}}</ref> This put the United States at odds with signatory countries to the [[European Convention on Human Rights]] (article 3), and other international treaties that prohibit the death penalty and the [[extradition]] of suspects to countries where capital punishment may be carried out.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Juvenile Execution, Terrorist Extradition, and Supreme Court Discretion to Consider International Death Penalty Jurisprudence |author=Burleson, Elizabeth |year=2005 |journal=68 Alb. L. Rev. 909}}</ref>
====Opposition====
Following the execution of Saddam Hussein, leaders around the world issued statements. Some leaders of India,<ref>{{cite news
|title =Disappointment, condemnation in India over Saddam hanging
|url =http://www.indiaenews.com/india/20061230/34158.htm
| publisher =India eNews
|date=2006-12-30
|accessdate =2006-12-30}}</ref>
Cambodia,<ref name="bangkokpostbreakingnews">{{cite news
| url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=115606
| title = Thailand, Asia hope for Iraq peace
| work = Bangkok Post, Breaking News
|date= Saturday, 30 December 2006}}</ref>
and
Sri Lanka,<ref>{{cite news
| url = http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-12-30-saddam-reaction_x.htm
| title = World leaders welcome, condemn Saddam's execution
| work = [[Associated Press]]
|date= 12/30/2006 2:17 AM ET}}</ref> as well as
Brazil,<ref name="international comments">{{cite news
| url = http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/29/hussein.world.reaction/index.html
| title = Hussein execution: World reaction - CNN.com
| work = [[CNN]]
|date= 2006-12-29
| accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>
expressed opposition to the execution. In India, some public demonstrations were held opposing Saddam Hussein's death, carrying out rallies and burning effigies of U.S. President [[George W. Bush]].<ref>{{cite news | title = CPI(M) cadres burn effigy of George Bush | url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/01/stories/2007010107780300.htm | publisher = The Hindu | date=2006-12-31 | accessdate = 2007-01-01}}</ref>
Leaders and governments of many European countries also expressed strong disapproval of using capital punishment in this and any case, including Austria,<ref name= AustrianReaction>{{en icon}} {{cite web
| url=http://www.bmaa.gv.at/view.php3?f_id=12299&LNG=en&version=
|title=Statement from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on the execution of Saddam
|accessdate= 2007-01-03}}</ref>
Denmark,<ref name="jp-ritzau">{{cite news | url = http://www.jp.dk/udland/artikel:aid=4160622 | title = Fogh: Vi fordømmer Hussein, men er imod dødsstraf | work = [[Jyllands-Posten]] |date= 2006-12-30 | language = Danish }}</ref><ref name="dr.dk">{{cite news | url = http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Udland/2006/12/30/102119.htm | title = Blandede internationale reaktioner på Saddams død | work = [[Danmarks Radio]] |date= 2006-12-30 | language = Danish }}</ref>
Finland,<ref name="yle-tuomioja">{{cite news | url = http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/vasen/id50222.html | title = Saddam hirtettiin aamulla | work = [[YLE|YLE 24]] |date= 2006-12-30 | language = Finnish }}</ref> Germany,<ref name="GermanyMerkel">{{de icon}} {{cite news | url = http://www.bundesregierung.de/nn_1264/Content/DE/Artikel/2006/12/2006-12-30-merkel-zu-hinrichtung-saddam.html | title = Pressestatement von Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel zum Tode von Saddam Hussein | language = de | publisher = [[Bundesregierung]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>
Italy,<ref name="Iraq response"/>
the Netherlands,<ref name="DutchReaction">{{cite news | url = http://tros.nl/index.php?id=451 | title = Vice-PM Zalm in TROS Kamerbreed | language = nl | publisher = TROS |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>, Norway,<ref>{{cite news |title =The execution of Saddam Hussein|url =http://www.dep.no/ud/english/news/news/032171-430062/dok-bn.html| publisher =Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs|date =2006-12-30|accessdate =2006-12-31}}</ref>
Portugal,<ref>{{cite news |title ={{pt icon}} Governo português contra execução de Saddam (Portuguese Government against Saddam execution)|url =http://www.portugaldiario.iol.pt/noticia.php?id=756657&div_id=| publisher =Portugal Diario|date=2006-12-29|accessdate =2006-12-30}}</ref>
Spain,<ref name="cri-Spain">{{cite news | url = http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_2049929,00.html | title = 'Don't hang Saddam Hussein' | work = SA |date= 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>
Sweden,<ref name="cri-Sweden">{{cite news | url = http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=148&a=601276&previousRenderType=6 | title = 'Regeringen beklagar Saddams avrättning'| work = SA |date= 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> and Switzerland<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.admin.ch/aktuell/00089/index.html?lang=en&msg-id=10023 | title = Execution of former Iraqi president, Saddam Hussein| work = |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> and the United Kingdom.<ref name= UKReaction>{{cite web
| url=http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/news/article_1238201.php
|title=Violence, condemnation, jubilation as Saddam is hanged
|accessdate= 2007-01-02}}</ref> The [[European Commissioner]] for [[Development aid]] [[Louis Michel]] stated that the execution of Saddam Hussein is against the fundamental principles of the [[European Union]] (EU). The EU is against the death penalty, regardless of the crimes committed. "It is not a big day for democracy," Michel stated to the [[RTBF]]. "The EU is in fierce opposition to the death penalty and there is no exception to that fundamental principle. Cruelty is not to be answered with cruelty. I believe that there were other possible means to revenge the cruelties committed by Saddam. The death penalty is not the right answer." He feared that the execution of Saddam will have a negative impact and that the former dictator will emerge as a martyr. "You don't fight barbarism with acts that I deem as barbaric. The death penalty is not compatible with democracy," he told Reuters.<ref name="Michel's reaction">{{cite news
| url = http://www.kanaalz.be/nl/Belga/BelgaNieuws.asp?ArticleID=74253&SectionID=2
| title = Louis Michel vindt executie Saddam in strijd met basisprincipe EU
| work = [[Kanaal Z]]
|date= 2006-12-30
| language = Dutch }}</ref> The Rev. Federico Lombardi, of the [[Holy See|Vatican]], expressed sadness<ref name="forbescomments">{{cite news | url = http://www.forbes.com/business/businesstech/feeds/ap/2006/12/30/ap3289424.html | title = Comments on Death Penalty for Saddam | work = Associated Press |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref> and disapproval of the death penalty.<ref name="forbescomments"/>
Chile,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.elmostrador.cl/modulos/noticias/constructor/noticia_new.asp?id_noticia=206416 | title = Gobierno chileno rechaza ejecución de Hussein y espera su anulación | work = [[List of Chilean newspapers|El Mostrador]] |date= 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref> Belgium,<ref name="VRT_execution_quotes">[http://www.flandersnews.be/cm/flandersnews.be/News/061230_reactions%2Bto%2BSaddam%2Bexecution Mixed feelings over Saddam's execution], VRT flandersnews.be, December 30, 2006</ref> Russia,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Iraq/207995 | title = EU official condemns Saddam hanging, Russia voices concern | publisher = Al Bawaba |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref> and Serbia<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2006&mm=12&dd=30&nav_id=225535&nav_category=78 | title = Razlicite reakcije na smrt Huseina | publisher = B92 |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref> expressed disapproval of capital punishment in this and any case, and also expressed concerns about implications of the execution on stability in Iraq.
[[Hosni Mubarak]], [[President of Egypt]], called the execution shameful, unthinkable, and stated that the execution turned the ex-president into a martyr. "I am not saying whether Saddam did or did not deserve the death penalty. I am also not getting into the question of whether this court is lawful under occupation. I knew they wanted to administer the sentence before the end of the year, but why on the Muslim holiday? People are executed all over the world, but what happened in Baghdad on the first day of Eid al-Adha was unthinkable. I didn't believe it was happening," he said. "In the end, no one will ever forget the circumstances and the way in which Saddam was executed. They turned him into a martyr, and the problems in Iraq remained."<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/egypt/?id=19058 | title = Mubarak: execution turned Saddam into martyr | publisher = Middle East Online |date= 2007-01-05 | accessdate = 2007-01-28}}</ref>
[[Terry Davis]], Secretary General of the [[Council of Europe]], an international organization of which almost all European states are members, made an official statement condemning the execution: ”The trial of Saddam Hussein was a missed opportunity... It was an opportunity for Iraq to join the civilised world. The former Iraqi dictator was a ruthless criminal who deserved to be punished, but it was wrong to kill him. Saddam Hussein is no longer paying for his crimes; he is simply dead... The death penalty is cruel and barbaric, and I call on the Iraqi authorities to abolish it. It is late, but not too late, for Iraq to join the great majority of civilised and democratic countries in the world who have already abolished the death penalty.”<ref>Council of Europe press release, [https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=1078399&BackColorInternet=F5CA75&BackColorIntranet=F5CA75&BackColorLogged=A9BACE 817(2006)]</ref>
Perhaps one of the most vocal European leaders has been [[Romano Prodi]], the [[Prime Minister of Italy]], who announced that his [[Politics of Italy|Government]] would be campaigning at the UN for a worldwide moratorium on the death penalty.<ref name="Prodi's reaction">{{cite news
| url = http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=125451&version=1&template_id=37&parent_id=17
| title = Italy will seek ban on death penalty
| work = [[Gulf Times]]
|date= 2007-1-3
| language = English}}</ref> A number of Italian political figures and parties have expressed disgust at the execution, and Prodi plans to use Italy's recent admission as a temporary member of the [[UN Security Council]] to campaign the [[United Nations General Assembly|General Assembly]] to adopt a moratorium.
In Turkey, the leader of the main opposition [[Republican People's Party (Turkey)|Republican People's Party]], [[Deniz Baykal]], expressed sorrow over the execution of Saddam Hussein, saying, "It is impossible to understand the rejoicing of those who put pressure on every country, including Turkey, for years to abolish the death sentence."<ref>{{cite news |title =CHP leader Baykal expresses sorrow over execution of Saddam|url =http://haber.tnn.net/haber_detay.asp?ID=1630601&Cat=ENG| publisher =TNN Haber|date =2006-12-30|accessdate =2006-12-31}}</ref>
The [[Palestinian territories|Palestinian Authority]] expressed opposition to the execution, and sadness over the demise of their steadfast ally.<ref name="Haaretz_execution_quotes">{{cite news | url = http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/807388.html | title = Saddam mourned | work = [[Haaretz]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> [[Hamas]] called the execution of Saddam a "political assassination."<ref>{{cite news |title=Reactions to Saddam Hussein’s execution |url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=18985 |publisher=Middle East Online |date=2006-12-30 |accessdate=2006-12-31}}</ref> Saudi Arabia expressed "surprise and dismay" and regretted the "politicisation" of the trial.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran welcomes Saddam execution |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/EFDB757E-8044-46E0-8896-FF19DFF78F5F.htm |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=December 30, 2006}}</ref> A "house of condolences" where people can gather to mourn Saddam was opened in [[Bethlehem]]. The organizers hung Iraqi flags, pictures of Saddam and broadcast Iraqi revolutionary songs. Palestinians rallied in other cities for the Iraqi leader as well. A Palestinian street and school has been reported to be named after Saddam Hussein, as well as a youth soccer tournament.<ref>[http://www.pmw.org.il/Bulletins_Jan2007.htm Palestinian Media Watch - Jan 2007 Bulletin]</ref>
A [[Reuters]]' reporter based in Afghanistan cited a top [[Taliban]] commander saying the death of Saddam Hussein "...will boost the morale of Muslims. The jihad in Iraq will be intensified and attacks on invader forces will increase."<ref name="reuters-tal">{{cite news | url = http://mobile.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/ISL149654.htm?=amp&_lite_=1 | title = Taliban says Saddam's execution to intensify jihad | work = Reuters |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> Fauzan Al Anshori, from the Islamic group of [[Indonesian Mujahedeen Council|Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia]], said Bush, too, should stand trial. "Given the crimes blamed on Saddam, it is unfair if George Bush is not also put before an international tribunal," he said. "Saddam was executed for killing 148 people, Iraqi Shi'a Muslims, while Bush is responsible for the killing of about 600,000 Iraqis since the March 2003 invasion."<ref name="thehindu">{{cite news | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200612301772.htm | title = World leaders welcome, condemn Saddam's execution | work = [[The Hindu]] News Update Service |date= Saturday, December 30, 2006 : 1710 Hrs}}</ref>
====Respect and concerns====
Many other governments, including Canada,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/International/2006/12/29/012-reax-saddam-pays.shtml | title = Exécution de Saddam Hussein: réactions aux antipodes | work = [[Radio-Canada]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref>
Indonesia,<ref name="thehindu"/>
Pakistan,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.app.com.pk/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1310&Itemid=2 | title = Saddam’s execution “sad incident” : PM | work = Associated Press of Pakistan |date= Saturday, 30 December 2006}}</ref>
Thailand,<ref name="bangkokpostbreakingnews"/> and
Greece,<ref name= GreekReaction>{{el icon}} {{cite web| url=http://world.flash.gr//cosmosl/2006/12/29/30524id/ |title=Εκτελέστηκε ("Executed") |work= Flash.gr news site |accessdate= 2006-12-30}}</ref>
expressed concerns and wishes for stability in Iraq, without passing judgment on whether or not Saddam should have been executed. Respect for the Iraqi judicial process and the judgment in this case was expressed by many other leaders and government officials, including those of [[Afghanistan]], the [[People's Republic of China]],<ref name="HINDU_execution">[http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200612301665.htm Iraqi affairs should be decided by Iraqis: China], The Hindu, December 30, 2006</ref> [[Japan]],<ref name="international comments"/> the [[Czech Republic]], [[France]],<ref name="international comments"/> [[Germany]],<ref name="GermanyMerkel">{{de icon}} {{cite news | url = http://www.bundesregierung.de/nn_1264/Content/DE/Artikel/2006/12/2006-12-30-merkel-zu-hinrichtung-saddam.html | title = Pressestatement von Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel zum Tode von Saddam Hussein | language = de | publisher = [[Bundesregierung]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> [[Iceland]],<ref name="Iceland reaction"> {{cite web|url=http://mbl.is/mm/frettir/innlent/frett.html?nid=1244451|title='''(Icelandic)''' Stjórnvöld virða niðurstöðu íraskra dómstóla|accessdate=2006-12-30}}</ref> [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]],<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/?jp=CWSNKFCWQLOJ | title = Ahern: We must respect Iraqi right to hang Saddam | work = breakingnews.ie |date= 30 December 2006 14:03}}</ref> the [[United Kingdom]],<ref>{{cite news | url = http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=UKNews1&storyID=2006-12-30T041326Z_01_L30161566_RTRUKOC_0_UK-IRAQ-SADDAM-BRITAIN.xml&WTmodLoc=HP-C1-TopStories-4 | title = Beckett says Saddam held to account for crimes | work = [[Reuters]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref> [[Australia]],<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20714573-2,00.html | title = Verdict a 'victory for freedom' | publisher = [[The Daily Telegraph]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> and [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0612/S00479.htm | title = Hussein’s death ends a troubled chapter | work=Scoop |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>
====Support====
The [[List of Presidents of Peru|Peruvian president]], [[Alan García]], expressed approval for the execution of Saddam Hussein: "He deserved the maximum sentence in his country" and was "guilty of genocide" for using chemical weapons against other peoples for their religion or their racial origin. García disagreed "with the fact that the trial was made in an occupied country. I don’t know if he was hanged for his crimes or just by the occupying forces."<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.elcomercioperu.com.pe/EdicionOnline/Html/2006-12-30/onEcPolitica0642074.html| title = Alan García de acuerdo con la ejecución de Sadam Hussein| work = [[El Comercio]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref> [[Israel]]<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1230/husseins1.html | title = Dark chapter in history closed says Iraqi PM | work = RTE |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref> and [[Poland]] both expressed approval of the execution.<ref name="smh">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/after-the-gallows-a-sombre-consensus-that-justice-was-served/2007/01/01/1167500060560.html |title=After the gallows, a sombre consensus that justice was served |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald |date=January 2, 2007}}</ref> A spokesman for Poland's president said, "justice has been meted out to a criminal who murdered thousands of people in Iraq."<ref name="smh"/>
[[Iran]]'s Deputy Foreign Minister [[Hamid Reza Asefi]] stated, "With regard to Saddam's execution, it amounts to a victory of the Iraqi people as they were the winners by his fall [...] Saddam's regime was overthrown because the Iraqi people did not support him. It is crystal clear that the United States should not misinterpret his fall and take the credit for itself. [...] An investigation into the [[Iran-Iraq War|Iraqi invasion of Iran]] (1980-1988) and of Kuwait (1990) could have disclosed the US involvement in Saddam's crimes and therefore the Americans preferred to close the case earlier."<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/30/content_5550896.htm | title = Iran: Saddam's execution amounts to "victory of the Iraqis" | work = [[Xinhua News Agency|Xinhua]] |date= 2006-12-30}}</ref>
In the [[United States]], [[President of the United States|President]] [[George W. Bush]] made a statement, "Bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a democracy that can govern, sustain, and defend itself."<ref name="president"/> Celebration in the United States occurred in at least one ___location in [[Dearborn, Michigan|Dearborn]], [[Michigan]], at the corner of Warren and Greenfield, a heavily [[Shia Islam|Shia]] Iraqi-American community.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16400751/ | title = Iraqi Americans celebrate Saddam’s execution | work = [[Associated Press]] |date= 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>
====Copycat hangings====
There were reports of [[Copycat effect|copycat]] deaths influenced by the media coverage. A 10-year-old boy in [[Webster, Texas|Webster]], [[Texas]], [[United States]] hanged himself to death in his bedroom. The mother stated that the boy had previously watched a news report about Saddam's execution and decided to hang himself as a form of experimentation. In [[Multan]], [[Pakistan]], a 9-year-old boy also died apparently copying the televised execution; his 10-year-old sister assisted with the hanging. A 15-year-old girl from [[Kolkata]], [[India]] was reported to have hanged herself after becoming extremely depressed by watching the execution.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21014276-2,00.html | title = Video sparks copy-cat hangings | work = [[Reuters]] and [[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] | date= 2007-01-05 | accessdate = 2007-01-05}}</ref> Copycat hangings are blamed for the deaths of eight people worldwide.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://uk.news.yahoo.com/08012007/323/children-die-worldwide-seeing-saddam-hang.html | title = Children die worldwide after seeing Saddam hang | work = [[Yahoo!|Yahoo! UK/Ireland]] | date= 2007-01-08 | accessdate = 2007-01-13}}</ref>
===Non-governmental organizations===
*[[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]]: "All sections of Iraqi society, as well as the wider international community, have an interest in ensuring that a death sentence provided for in Iraqi law is only imposed following a trial and appeal process that is, and is legitimately seen as, fair, credible and impartial. That is especially so in a case as exceptional as this one."<ref name="Iraq response"/> – High Commissioner Louise Arbour
*[[Human Rights Watch]]: "Saddam Hussein was responsible for massive [[human rights]] violations, but that can't justify giving him the death penalty, which is a cruel and inhuman punishment."<ref name="hrw">{{cite web| url = http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/12/30/iraq14950.htm| title = Iraq: Saddam Hussein Put to Death| accessdate = 2006-12-30|date= 2006-12-30| publisher = [[Human Rights Watch]]}}</ref> "History will judge the deeply flawed Dujail trial and this execution harshly."<ref name="Iraq response"/> – Director Richard Dicker
*[[Amnesty International USA]]: "The rushed execution of Saddam Hussein is simply wrong. It signifies justice denied for countless victims who endured unspeakable suffering during his regime, and now have been denied their right to see justice served."<ref name="international comments"/><ref name="amnestyusa">{{cite web| url = http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/document.do?id=ENGUSA20061229001| title = Iraq: Statement of Larry Cox, Executive Director, Amnesty International USA on the impending execution of Saddam Hussein| accessdate = 2006-12-30|date= 2006-12-29| publisher = [[Amnesty International USA]]}}</ref> – Executive Director Larry Cox
*[[International Federation of Human Rights]]: "This death sentence will generate more violence and deepen the cycle of killing for revenge in Iraq. It is primarily a settling of old scores rather than any attempt at a just sentence; the whole process is an affront to the dignity and the rights of victims."<ref name="fidh">{{cite web| url = http://www.fidh.org/article.php3?id_article=3784 | title = Saddam Hussein's Trial: Statement of Sidiki Kaba, president of the FIDH | accessdate = 2006-12-30|date= 2006-11-05| publisher = [[FIDH]]}}</ref> – President Sidiki Kaba
==Criticism==
[[Human Rights Watch]] issued a statement that the "execution follows a flawed trial and marks a significant step away from the rule of law in Iraq."<ref name="hrw"> </ref> [[Amnesty International]] issued a statement that it "opposed the death penalty in all circumstances but it was especially egregious when this ultimate punishment is imposed after an unfair trial."<ref name="ai">{{cite web| url = http://web.amnesty.org/pages/irq-281206-statement-eng| title = Amnesty International condemns Iraqi Appeal Court verdict against Saddam Hussein and co-accused| accessdate = 2006-12-30|date= 2006-12-30| publisher = [[Amnesty International]]}}</ref> Two days before the execution, the [[International Federation of Human Rights]] released a statement calling "upon Iraq's Head of State to ensure a moratorium on the death sentence pronounced against Saddam Hussein." The organization also said Saddam should be treated as a [[prisoner of war]] under the [[Geneva Conventions]].<ref>[http://www.fidh.org/article.php3?id_article=3925 "Iraq: No to death penalty ratification!"], ''[[International Federation of Human Rights]]'', [[December 27]], [[2006]]</ref> [[Juan Cole]] said that the execution might lead to more [[sectarian]] turmoil. "The trial and execution of Saddam were about revenge, not justice. Instead of promoting national reconciliation, this act of revenge helped Saddam portray himself one last time as a symbol of Sunni Arab resistance, and became one more incitement to sectarian warfare," he said.<ref>Juan Cole, "[http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2006/12/30/saddam/index.html Saddam: The death of a dictator]," ''Salon.com'' (30 December 2006).</ref>
Lawyers for Saddam called the trial "a flagrant violation of international law" and plan to continue "using all legal paths available locally and internationally until public opinion gets the truth about this political assassination."<ref>[http://www.news24.com/News24/World/Iraq/0,,2-10-1460_2050104,00.html Saddam a martyr - lawyers] December 30, 2006</ref> In a separate statement, Saddam's American defense lawyer called the execution "an unfortunate display of arrogant aggressor's injustice by the United States of America under the leadership of American President George W. Bush. It sets back achievements in international criminal law many decades and sends a clear message to people all over the world that the United States' aggression cannot be stopped by the law. It is truly a sad day for international justice and sad beginning to a new year."<ref>[http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/12/saddam-lawyers-decry-political.php "Saddam lawyers decry 'political assassination' in statement"] [[December 30]], [[2006]]</ref>
Since the release of the amateur video footage of the execution, several commentators have criticized the atmosphere of the hanging. [[John Simpson]] of [[BBC News]] stated that the execution "is shown to be an ugly, degrading business, which was more reminiscent of a public hanging in the 18th century than a considered act of 21st century official justice."<ref>{{cite news|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6221751.stm |title=Saddam hanging taunts evoke ugly past|author=John Simpson|authorlink=|work=British Broadcasting Corporation|accessdate=2007-01-01|date=2006-12-31}}</ref> Toby Dodge, an expert on Iraq, of Queen Mary College, [[University of London]] stated that the showing of the execution on television "conforms to a brutal logic that Saddam Hussein used himself" and went further by saying that "this isn't even victor's justice, this is the tawdry work of an insecure government," particularly since Prime Minister [[Nouri al-Maliki]] forced through Saddam's execution just four days after the appeals court upheld his conviction.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/PAR151828.htm |title=Feature-Iraqis ponder lessons of history after Saddam hangs|author=Claudia Parsons|authorlink=|work=Reuters|accessdate=2007-01-01|date=2006-12-31}}</ref> ''[[The Times]]'' commented in its online edition that, in the moments immediately preceding the hanging, "the scene had begun to resemble a [[medieval]] execution or a wild hanging in [[Texas]]" amid repeated instances of taunts hurled at Saddam that drowned out the lonely voice of an unidentified person calling for calm in the face of the gravity of the situation.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2526093,00.html |title=How one mobile phone made Saddam's hanging a very public execution|author=Ned Parker and Ali Hamdani|authorlink=|work=The Times of London Online Edition|accessdate=2007-01-01|date=2007-01-01}}</ref> Writing in ''[[The Hindu]]'' of India, [[Siddharth Varadarajan]] compared the filming and circulation of Saddam's execution video to the picture postcards of American lynchings of African-American men that were popular in the Deep South in the early years of the 20th century.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://svaradarajan.blogspot.com/2007/01/bringing-to-book-guilty-men-of-baghdad.html |title=Bringing to book the guilty men of Baghdad|author=Siddharth Varadarajan|authorlink=|work=The Hindu|accessdate=2007-02-16|date=2007-01-10}}</ref>. The ''[[New York Times]]'' described the execution as "a sectarian free-for-all that had the effect, on the video recordings, of making Mr. Hussein, a mass murderer, appear dignified and restrained, and his executioners, representing Shi'ites who were his principal victims, seem like bullying street thugs."<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/01/world/middleeast/01iraq.html |title=U.S. Questioned Iraq on the Rush to Hang Hussein|author=John F. Burns and Marc Santora|authorlink=|work=New York Times|accessdate=2007-01-01|date=2007-01-01}}</ref> The Pakistani-born writer Tariq Ali denounced the proceedings, contrasting favourably the trials of Nazi criminals after World War II with the trial of Hussein, "Where Nuremberg was a more dignified application of victor's justice, Saddam's trial has, till now, been the crudest and most grotesque." <ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.sevenoaksmag.com/features/executionofsaddam.html |title=Saddam at the end of a rope|author=Tariq Ali|work=Seven Oaks Magazine|accessdate=2006-12-30}}</ref>
Following the leaking of a [[mobile phone]] footage of Saddam Hussein's execution, along with the detention on [[January 3]], [[2007]] of a guard under the Justice Ministry headed by a Sunni Iraqi minister [[Hashim Abderrahman al-Shibli]], suspicions have arisen that the ministry may have intended to inflame sectarian tensions.<ref>{{cite news|url =http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/01/03/saddam.execution/index.html |title=More arrests expected from Hussein execution video |author=[[CNN]] |date=2007-01-03 |accessdate=2007-01-03}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[La República]]'' on [[January 19]], [[2007]], [[Muqtada al-Sadr]] said that the people who were in the room during execution were "people paid to discredit him" and the purpose of the unofficial video was to "make Muqtadá look like the real enemy of the Sunnis."<ref>[http://justworldnews.org/archives/002346.html Moqtada's interview at La Repubblica, translated]</ref>
United States president [[George W. Bush]] mentioned on [[January 4]], [[2007]] that he wished that the execution "had gone on in a more dignified way."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/01/04/bush-saddam.html |title=Saddam's execution could have been more 'dignified': Bush |author=[[CBC News]] |date=2007-01-05 |accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref>
Bush later stated, in a [[January 16]], [[2007]] interview with U.S. television host [[Jim Lehrer]], that Saddam's execution "looked like it was kind of a revenge killing." Bush said he was "disappointed and felt like they fumbled the—particularly the Saddam Hussein—execution. It reinforced doubts in people's minds that the Maliki government and the unity government of Iraq is a serious government. [...] And it sent a mixed signal to the American people and the people around the world."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/white_house/jan-june07/bush_01-16.html |title=President Bush Defends Decision to Send Additional Troops to Iraq |author=[[PBS]] |date=2007-01-16 |accessdate=2007-01-17}} </ref>
==See also==
* [[Saddam Hussein]]
* [[Trials of Saddam Hussein]]
* [[Capital punishment in Iraq]]
* [[2003 invasion of Iraq]]
* [[Iraq War]]
* [[Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti]] ([[Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti#Execution|execution]])
* [[Awad Hamed al-Bandar]] ([[Awad Hamed al-Bandar#Execution|execution]])
==References==
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==External links==
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*[http://news.lp.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/iraq/inresaddam122906app.html (FindLaw) Application for Stay of Execution] — Filed in U.S. Federal Court on [[December 29]], [[2006]].
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*Video of execution:
**[http://today.reuters.com/tv/videoChannel.aspx?storyid=a12e30546019929f3625ae1d8bb4eb8ae3c00394 Before Execution] — (Reuters) video footage moments before the execution.
**[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7532034279766935521 Full Execution] — Camera phone footage of hanging, including audio and footage of death. ([http://www.box.net/public/static/k7vrrx91is.wmv Non-streaming link])
*[http://www.liveleak.com/saddam2.html Interviews with Iraqi People] — (Al Jazeera) video footage of Iraqi people's reaction after Saddam's execution.
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[[ar:إعدام صدام حسين]]
[[dv:ސައްދާމް ހުސެއިން ދަންޖެއްސުން]]
[[es:Ejecución de Saddam Hussein]]
[[fa:اعدام صدام حسین]]
[[hu:Szaddám Huszein kivégzése]]
[[pl:Egzekucja Saddama Husajna]]
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