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{{Short description|2006 execution of former Iraqi president}}
{{current}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{merge|Trial of Saddam Hussein}}
{{Infobox event
[[Image:Hussein hangs.jpg|300px|thumb|Saddam Hussein on the gallows <br />''Source: [[Al Iraqiya]] Television'']]
| title = Execution of Saddam Hussein
| partof = the [[Iraq War]]
| image = Saddam Hussein at trial, July 2004-edit1.JPEG
|caption = [[Saddam Hussein]] at his trial in July 2004
| date = {{start date and age|2006|12|30|df=y}}
| venue = [[Camp Justice (Iraq)|Camp Justice]], [[Kadhimiya]], [[Baghdad]], Iraq
}}
{{Saddam Hussein series}}
The execution of former Iraqi president [[Saddam Hussein]] took place on 30 December 2006. Saddam was sentenced to death by [[hanging]], after [[Trial of Saddam Hussein|being convicted]] of [[crimes against humanity]] by the [[Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal|Iraqi Special Tribunal]] for the [[Dujail massacre]]—the killing of 148 [[Shia Islam in Iraq|Iraqi Shi'ites]] in the town of [[Dujail]]—in 1982, in retaliation for an assassination attempt against him.<ref name="ap burial">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/saddam-buried-in-village-of-his-birth-1.586906|title=Saddam buried in village of his birth|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=31 December 2006|access-date=31 December 2006}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


The [[Federal government of Iraq|Iraqi government]] released an official video of his execution, showing him being led to the gallows, and ending after the hangman's noose was placed over his head. International public controversy arose when a [[mobile phone]] recording of the hanging showed him surrounded by a contingent of his countrymen who jeered him in Arabic and praised the Shia cleric [[Muqtada al-Sadr]], and his subsequent fall through the trap door of the gallows.
Former [[President of Iraq]] '''[[Saddam Hussein]]''' ([[April 28]], [[1937]] – [[December 30]], [[2006]]) was [[Capital punishment in Iraq|'''executed''']] by [[hanging]] for [[Crime against humanity|crimes against humanity]] following [[trial of Saddam Hussein|his trial and conviction]] for the [[murder]] of 143 [[Shi'a Islam|Shi'as]] in the town of [[Dujail]] in 1982. He was also standing trial for the deaths of approximately 180,000 [[Kurdish people|Kurds]] during the late 1980s; that trial is expected to continue against the remaining defendants.<ref name="voa">{{cite news | url = http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-12-30-voa7.cfm | title = Saddam Hussein Executed | author = Margaret Besheer | work = [[Voice of America]] | date = 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>


Saddam Hussein was the president of [[Iraq]] from [[July 16]], [[1979]] until [[April 9]], [[2003]], when he was deposed during the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]] by U.S.-led forces.
Saddam's body was returned to his birthplace of [[Al-Awja]], near [[Tikrit]], on 31 December and was buried near the graves of other family members.


==Background==
==Time and place of execution==
{{See also|Capture of Saddam Hussein|Interrogation of Saddam Hussein|Trial of Saddam Hussein}}
Saddam was executed at approximately 06:00 local time (03:00 [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]]) on [[December 30]], [[2006]] by [[Hanging|hanging]], as many Iraqis began celebrating [[Eid ul-Adha]].<ref name="msnbc coverage">{{cite news | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16389128/ | title = Saddam Hussein executed | 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>{{cite news | url = http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13559626,00.html | title = Saddam Hussein Executed | work = [[Sky News]] | date = 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-29 }}</ref> The execution took place at the Iraqi army base [[Camp Justice]] in [[Kazimain]], a northeastern suburb of [[Baghdad]] and a base once used by Saddam as his military intelligence headquarters, then known as [[Camp Banzai]], where Iraqi civilians were taken to be tortured and murdered in 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, and not at the same time as his co-defendants [[Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti]] and [[Awad Hamed al-Bandar]], who will be executed after the Eid ul-Adha festival.<ref name="dawn"/>
After being sentenced to death by an Iraqi court, Saddam requested to be executed by [[Execution by firing squad|firing squad]] rather than hanging, claiming it as the lawful military capital punishment and citing his former position of commander-in-chief of the Iraqi military. This request was denied by the court.<ref name="The Sydney Morning Herald 2006">{{cite web | title=The Sydney Morning Herald 404 Page | website=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=2006-07-26 | url=http://www.smh.com.au/not-found.html | access-date=2018-02-23 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="The Washington Times 2006">{{cite web | title=Saddam prefers death by shooting | website=The Washington Times | date=2006-01-03 | url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2006/jan/3/20060103-123938-5632r/ | access-date=2018-02-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213005908/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2006/jan/3/20060103-123938-5632r/ | archive-date=13 December 2014 | url-status=live}}</ref> Two days prior to the execution, a letter written by Saddam appeared on the [[Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Iraq Region|Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party]] website. In the letter, he urged the Iraqi people to unite, and not to hate the people of countries that invaded Iraq, like the United States, but instead the decision-makers. He said he was ready to die as a martyr and 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=28 December 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007234244/http://www.redbolivia.com/noticias/News%20in%20English/36246.html|archive-date=7 October 2007}}</ref> Hours before the execution, Saddam ate his [[last meal]] of chicken and rice with a cup of hot water with honey.


==Execution proceedings==
==Execution==
===Time and place===
{{wikinews|Saddam Hussein executed by hanging}}
Saddam was executed by hanging at approximately 05:50 UTC +03:00 on the first day of [[Eid al-Adha]] (30 December 2006).<ref name="msnbc coverage">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16389128|title=Saddam Hussein executed, ending era in Iraq|work=NBC News|date=29 December 2006|access-date=29 December 2006}}</ref><ref name="skynews">{{cite news |date=29 December 2006 |title=Saddam Body Flown Home |publisher=Sky News |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13559626,00.html |url-status=dead |access-date=29 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522133111/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Sky-News-Archive/Article/200806413559626 |archive-date=22 May 2011}}</ref> Reports conflicted as to the exact time of the execution, with some sources reporting the time as 06:00, 06:05, or some, as late as 06:10.<ref name="msnbc coverage"/><ref name="skynews"/><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|agency=Reuters|date=31 December 2006|access-date=5 January 2007}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
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"/> Though, some reports say 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"/>


The execution took place at the joint Iraqi-U.S. military base [[Camp Justice (Iraq)|Camp Justice]], located in [[Kadhimiya|Kazimain]], a north-eastern suburb of [[Baghdad]]. 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 15 January 2007. Saddam's cousin [[Ali Hassan al-Majid]] was also sentenced to death and was hanged on 25 January 2010.
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> David MacDougall has reported to [[Fox News Channel|Fox News]] several details of what went on immediately before Saddam's hanging based on reports he has been fed through an earpiece. He has stated that Saddam's behavior was "submissive" and that he was carrying the [[Qur'an]] he had been keeping with him through his trials prior to his execution. Mowaffak al Rubiae, Iraq's National Security adviser, who was a witness to Saddam's execution described Saddam as repeatedly shouting "down with [[Persian people|Persians]]."<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> Sami al-Askari, a witness to the death, said, "Before the rope was put around his neck, Saddam shouted, '[[takbir|God is great]]. The nation 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> After the rope was secured, guards shouted, "Supporting his son, Muqtada! Muqtada! Muqtada!" in reference to [[Mohammad Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr|Mohammed al-Sadr]] and his son [[Muqtada al-Sadr]]; Saddam repeated the name mockingly and denounced the guards.<ref name="curses">{{cite news|
title=On the Gallows, Curses for U.S. and ‘Traitors’|
url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/world/middleeast/31gallows.html?hp&ex=1167541200&en=5db66dae7cb12d0e&ei=5094&partner=homepage|
work=[[The New York Times]]|
date =2006-12-30|
accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</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>
He then recited the Shahadah again and was finishing another recitation when 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://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7532034279766935521|
accessdate=2006-12-30}} (Warning: morbid images)</ref>
One source gives his final words as, "Down with the traitors, the Americans, the spies and the Persians,"<ref name="curses"/> but this is not evident in the video footage.


==Burial==
===Proceedings===
A senior Iraqi official who was involved in the events leading to Saddam's demise was quoted as saying, "The Americans wanted to delay the execution by 15 days because they weren't keen on having him executed right away, but during the day [before 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 fighting|work=[[The Daily Star (Lebanon)|The Daily Star]]|date=3 January 2007|access-date=3 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105045000/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=78137|archive-date=5 January 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> U.S. military spokesman [[Major general (United States)|Maj. Gen.]] [[William B. Caldwell IV|William Caldwell]] told journalists in Baghdad that after "physical control" of Saddam was given to the Iraqi government, "the multinational force had absolutely no direct involvement with [the execution] whatsoever."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://cbs2.com/national/topstories_story_003084722.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927182124/http://cbs2.com/national/topstories_story_003084722.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=27 September 2007|title=U.S. Distances Itself From Saddam Hanging|work=CBS News|date=3 January 2007|access-date=3 January 2007}}</ref> There were no U.S. representatives present in the execution chamber.<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=30 December 2006|access-date=30 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229161008/http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/29/hussein/index.html|archive-date=29 December 2006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Sudarsan|last=Raghavan|title=Saddam Hussein is Put to Death|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/29/AR2006122900142.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=30 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809140428/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/29/AR2006122900142.html|archive-date=9 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
Saddam Hussein was buried in his birthplace of [[Al-Awja]] in [[Tikrit]], [[Iraq]], alongside 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 = Tribal chief: Saddam buried in native village | 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> Less than 24 hours after his death, Saddam was handed over from U.S. possession to [[Sheikh]] Ali al-Nida, head of the Albu Nasir tribe and governor of [[Salaheddin]], to be buried.<ref name="burial"/>


Reports circulated that Saddam's behavior was "submissive" and that he was carrying the [[Quran|Qur'an]] he had been keeping with him throughout his trial before his execution. Iraqi National Security Advisor [[Mowaffak al-Rubaie]], who was a witness to Saddam's execution, described Saddam as repeatedly shouting "down with the invaders".<ref>{{cite news|title=A Historic Day For Iraq |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,30000-witness_301206_0700,00.html |work=Sky News |date=30 December 2006 |access-date=29 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070122042840/http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,30000-witness_301206_0700,00.html |archive-date=22 January 2007}}</ref> Al-Rubaie reportedly asked Saddam if he had any remorse or fear, to which Saddam replied:
Saddam's eldest daughter [[Raghad Hussein]], under 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> It was also said by family that his body might be buried in [[Ramadi]], citing safety concerns, though this is not the case.<ref name="burial"/> The Iraqi government said they are not worried about political pilgrimage to his gravesite.<ref name="bbc burial"/>


{{quote|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=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/world/middleeast/31gallows.html?ex=1325221200&en=472d36ebe903eabd&ei=5088|title=On the Gallows, Curses for U.S. and 'Traitors'|work=The New York Times|first=Marc|last=Santora|date=31 December 2006|access-date=3 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122321/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/world/middleeast/31gallows.html?ex=1325221200&en=472d36ebe903eabd&ei=5088|archive-date=4 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
==Media coverage==
[[Image:Saddamdead.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Saddam Hussein's body after his execution.]]


Witnesses described Saddam as appearing "broken and weak" yet "unrepentant" prior to his hanging.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-02-15 |title=Saddam goes to the gallows |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/saddam-goes-to-the-gallows-1052294 |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}}</ref> [[Sami al-Askari]], a witness to the execution, said, "Before the rope was put around his neck, Saddam shouted, '[[Takbir|Allahu Akbar]]. The 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|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=30 December 2006|access-date=30 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906235843/http://enidnews.com/localnews/x518662645/Saddam-Hussein-dies-on-the-gallows-exiting-the-Iraqi-stage-after-a-long-brutal-reign?keyword=topstory|archive-date=6 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Saddam also stressed that the Iraqis should fight the American invaders.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6220087.stm|title=Witness to Saddam's death|work=BBC News|date=30 December 2006|access-date=30 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103120208/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6220087.stm|archive-date=3 January 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> After the rope was secured, guards shouted various rebukes including "Muqtada! Muqtada! Muqtada!" in reference to [[Muqtada al-Sadr]]; Saddam laughed, repeating the name mockingly and rebuked the shouts stating, "Do you consider this bravery?"<ref name="nyt"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/CCE38D74-9851-4749-A85F-0B2D729B2C90.htm |title=Attempts to anger Saddam moments before his execution, Al Jazeera, 1 January 2007. |access-date=8 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108202120/http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/CCE38D74-9851-4749-A85F-0B2D729B2C90.htm |archive-date=8 January 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/guards-taunted-saddam-in-final-seconds-430436.html |title=Guards taunted Saddam in final seconds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707124956/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/guards-taunted-saddam-in-final-seconds-430436.html |archive-date=7 July 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=28 May 2023 |work=The Independent |date=1 January 2007 |first=Anne |last=Penketh}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Witness: Saddam Hussein argued with guards moments before death |work=CNN |date=30 December 2006 |url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/30/hussein/index.html |access-date=2023-03-14}}</ref><ref name="cnncellphone">
The primary source of this news was the TV station [[Al Arabiya]]. A scrolling headline read, "Saddam's execution marks the end of a dark period of Iraq's history." The [[BBC]] noted that a doctor, lawyer, and various officials were present, and a video recording of the execution was made.<ref name="bbc"/> Al Arabiya claims Saddam's lawyer has confirmed his death. The state-run Iraqi television news station [[Al Iraqiya]] has also confirmed Saddam's execution. 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>
{{cite video |url=http://www.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/world/2006/12/30/lin.hussein.execution.web.video.affl&wm=10 |title=Camera phone in Hussein's execution chamber |date=30 December 2006 |last=Lin |first=Carol |publisher=CNN |access-date=30 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107161218/http://www.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=%2Fvideo%2Fworld%2F2006%2F12%2F30%2Flin.hussein.execution.web.video.affl&wm=10 |archive-date=7 January 2007 |url-status=live |format=Windows Media}}
</ref> A [[Shia Islam|Shi'a]] version of an Islamic prayer was recited by some of those present in the room while Saddam recited a [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] version of an Islamic prayer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saddam hanging taunts evoke ugly past|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6221751.stm|work=BBC News|date=30 December 2006|access-date=1 January 2007|first=John|last=Simpson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107092109/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6221751.stm|archive-date=7 January 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> One observer told Saddam:


{{quote|Go to hell!}}
According to the BBC, [[Al Iraqiya]] stated that Saddam did not put up any resistance during the execution, and that footage of the event will most likely stop short of the actual execution.<ref name="bbc"/> [[CNN]] has shown video of the moments leading up to Saddam's execution. An amateur video shot using a [[cell phone]] from a staircase leading up to the noose has since surfaced, containing low-quality footage of the entire hanging.<ref name="cellphone"/> Saddam's death was filmed 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>


Saddam replied,
BBC analysts noted that public reactions within Iraq are likely to remain unclear until after Eid morning prayers.<ref name="azcentral">{{cite news | url = http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1229sadam-aziraqi.html | title = No tears for Saddam among Valley Iraqis | work = [[The Arizona Republic]] | date = 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>


{{quote|The hell that is Iraq?<ref>{{cite news|title='Fallen tyrant' taunted in Saddam video|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL3180350420070101|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907222457/http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/01/01/us-iraq-saddam-taunts-idUSL3180350420070101|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 September 2012|last=Parsons|first=Claudia|work=Reuters|date=31 December 2006|access-date=7 December 2007}}</ref>}}
==Reaction==
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 response to the heckling of one of the masked guards (the man said "You have destroyed us, you have killed us. You have made us live in destitution!"), Saddam replied: "I have saved you from destitution and misery and destroyed your enemies, the Persians and Americans."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Santora |first=Marc |date=2006-12-31 |title=On the Gallows, Curses for U.S. and 'Traitors' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/world/middleeast/31gallows.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Mariam al-Rayes, a legal expert and a former member of the Shia bloc in parliament, told [[Al Iraqiya]] television that the execution "was filmed and God willing it will be shown. There was one camera present, and a doctor was also present there."<ref name="bbc"/><ref name = "fox" /> Iraqi Prime Minister [[Nuri al-Maliki]] 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>


The deputy prosecutor, Munqith al-Faroun, responded to hecklers, stating,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Sudarsan |date=31 December 2006 |title=In Hussein's Last Minutes, Jeers and a Cry for Calm |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/30/AR2006123000392.html |url-status=live |access-date=28 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924163401/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/30/AR2006123000392.html |archive-date=24 September 2017 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
[[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>


{{quote|Please, stop. The man is facing an execution.}}
Sheelan Talibani, an [[Iraqi Kurdistan|Iraqi Kurd]] who resides in the [[United Kingdom]], expressed disapproval of the execution, as something inhumane even in this case.<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 execution will also deny opportunity for trials for other cases, including the [[chemical weapon]]s attacks on [[Halabja]] in 1988.<ref name="bbc-arabreactions"/> 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 up to 100,000 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>


Saddam began to recite the [[Shahada]] twice. Before finishing his second recitation, the trapdoor sprang. His last word was, "Muhammad."<ref name="cnncellphone"/> 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=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/01/world/middleeast/01sunnis.html?ex=1325307600&en=9a4812fde9db44e5&ei=5088|title=For Sunnis, Dictator's Degrading End Signals Ominous Dawn for the New Iraq|newspaper=The New York Times|date=1 January 2007|access-date=1 January 2007|first=Sabrina|last=Tavernise|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122438/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/01/world/middleeast/01sunnis.html?ex=1325307600&en=9a4812fde9db44e5&ei=5088|archive-date=4 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> During the drop, there was an audible crack, indicating that Saddam's [[cervical fracture|neck was broken]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=8&num=10730|title=Saddam Hussein Hanging Video Shows Defiance, Taunts and Glee|work=National Ledger|date=1 January 2007|access-date=20 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070323154042/http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=8&num=10730|archive-date=23 March 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> After Saddam was suspended for a few minutes, the doctor present listened with a [[stethoscope]] for a heartbeat. After he detected nothing, the rope was cut, and the body was placed in a coffin. Saddam was confirmed dead at 06:03.<ref name="alarabiya-lasthour">{{cite news|url=http://www.alarabiya.net/Articles/2006/12/31/30360.htm|script-title=ar:شريط يظهر نطقه للشهادتين ومصوّر الإعدام يروي لحظة النهاية تفاصيل الساعة الأخيرة في حياة الرئيس السابق صدام حسي |trans-title=Tape shows last details of Saddam's life|publisher=Al-Arabiya|date=31 December 2006|language=ar|access-date=2 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104191824/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2006/12/31/30360.htm|archive-date=4 January 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>
Despite all of the celebrations, the United States' forces are braced for a backlash of violence in Iraq due to the execution. President [[George W. Bush]] has released a statement on the execution of Saddam's death and its place in the state of peace in Iraq, and stated his 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 will be buried, police have barred entrances to and departures from the city for four days as a safety precaution.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061230/ap_on_re_mi_ea/saddam | title = Saddam Hussein executed for war crimes | work = [[Associated Press]] | date = 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>


===Within Iraq===
===Alleged postmortem stabbings===
According to Talal Misrab, the head guard at Saddam's tomb, who also helped in the burial, Saddam was stabbed six times after he was executed. The head of Saddam's tribe, Sheikh Hasan al-Neda, denies this claim. Mowaffak al-Rubaie stated, "I oversaw the whole process from A–Z and Saddam Hussein's body was not stabbed or mutilated, and he was not humiliated before execution."<ref>{{cite news|last=Haynes|first=Deborah|author-link=Deborah Haynes|date=2008-11-01|title=Saddam Hussein's body was stabbed in the back, says guard|work=[[The Times]]|location=Al-Awja, Iraq|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/saddam-husseins-body-was-stabbed-in-the-back-says-guard-3vmjfw7g2n6|url-status=live|access-date=2008-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122022739/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article5058550.ece|archive-date=22 November 2010}}</ref>
====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>


==Burial==
"[Iraqis] have been waiting for justice to be executed, and I think that Iraqis have received the news that they've been waiting for too many years," said Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein Shahristani.<ref name="iraq response"/>
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 31 December 2006 at 04:00 local time (01:00 [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]]).<ref name="burial">{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna11669236 |title=Iraqis gather in Saddam hometown after burial |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=2006-12-30 |access-date=2006-12-30}}</ref><ref name="buried with family">{{cite news |date=2006-12-29 |title=Report: Saddam Hussein to be buried with sons |work=[[CNN]] |url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/30/hussein.funeral/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=2006-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101062448/http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/30/hussein.funeral/index.html |archive-date=1 January 2007}}</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 News]] |date=2006-12-31 |access-date=2006-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103174220/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6220677.stm |archive-date=3 January 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> His body was transported to Tikrit by a U.S. military helicopter, where he was handed over from Iraqi government possession to Sheikh Ali al-Nida, the late head of the Albu Nasir tribe and governor of [[Saladin Governorate|Saladin]]. It was buried about three kilometers (2 mi) from his two sons' bodies, in the same extensive cemetery. Saddam's grave, in a family plot, was dug into the floor of an octagonal, domed building he had ordered the construction of in the 1980s for religious festivals at the site.


Saddam's eldest daughter [[Raghad Hussein|Raghad]], under 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 |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=2006-12-29 |access-date=2006-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612165056/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30825677.htm |archive-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=live}}</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"/> The tomb where Saddam's body was buried was later destroyed during fighting between [[Islamic State]] militants and Iraqi forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31901568|title=Saddam's tomb destroyed near Tikrit|date=16 March 2015|work=BBC News|access-date=2 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701192257/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31901568|archive-date=1 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Saddam's body had reportedly been removed by a Sunni tribal group before the tomb's destruction.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-saddam-idUSKBN0G61GM20140806|title=Saddam's allies moved his corpse, fearful Shi'ite militias would...|first=Ahmed|last=Rasheed|work=Reuters|date=6 August 2014|access-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011070926/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-saddam-idUSKBN0G61GM20140806|archive-date=11 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
"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"/>


==Media coverage==
"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. 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," said [[Adnan Pachachi]].<ref name="iraq response"/>
The primary news source for the execution was the state-run Iraqi television news station [[Al Iraqiya]], whose announcer said that the "criminal Saddam was hanged to death". A scrolling headline read, "Saddam's execution marks the end of a dark period of Iraq's history". [[Al Arabiya]] reported that Saddam's lawyer had confirmed Saddam's death.<ref name="fox">{{cite news |date=2006-12-29 |title=Saddam Hussein Executed by Hanging in Iraq |work=[[Fox News]] |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,240057,00.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2006-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101040847/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,240057,00.html |archive-date=1 January 2007}}</ref>


Major news networks carried official video of the moments leading up to Saddam's execution. The Iraqi government also released pictures of Saddam's dead body in a [[shroud]].
"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"/>


===Mobile phone video===
"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"/>
While officially released footage of the event stopped short of showing the actual execution, an amateur video shot using a mobile phone from a staircase leading up to the gallows surfaced; it contained low-quality footage of the entire hanging.<ref name="cellphone">
{{cite video |url=https://dn720309.ca.archive.org/0/items/saddam-hussein-full-hanging-video-graphic/Saddam%20Hussein%20~%20FULL%20~%20Hanging%20Video%20%20%20Graphic.mp4 |title=Saddam Hussein ~ FULL ~ Hanging Video Graphic |date=2006-12-30 |type=Video |publisher=Internet Archive |year=2006 |people=Unidentified videographer}}
</ref> The amateur footage, unlike the official footage, included sound; witnesses could be heard taunting Saddam at the gallows,<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 | access-date = 2006-01-02 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070104165726/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20070102/saddam-web-tv.htm |archive-date = 4 January 2007}}</ref> to which the former dictator replied "goddamn you."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Video shows Saddam being taunted |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2006/12/31/video-shows-saddam-being-taunted-2 |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>


On 3 January 2007, the Iraqi government arrested the guard who they believed made the mobile phone video. However, it was too late to prevent it from spreading across the Internet.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010300358.html| title = Official Held in Saddam Hanging Video| author = Abdul-Zahra, Qassim| newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]| date = 2007-01-03| access-date = 2007-01-03| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081011031239/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010300358.html| archive-date = 11 October 2008| url-status = live}}</ref> 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 recording and leak.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13259309| title = Arrests made in Saddam video case| author = Richard Engel and the Associated Press| work = [[NBC News]]| date = 2007-01-03| access-date = 2007-01-03}}</ref>
====Populace====
"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"/>


==Reaction==
A 34-year-old candy storeowner in [[Baghdad]], Haider Hamed, a Shiite 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 Shiite on Sunni and Sunni on Shiite."<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061231/ap_on_re_mi_ea/saddam | title = Saddam exchanged taunts before hanging | work = [[Associated Press]] | date = 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>
{{main|Reactions to the execution of Saddam Hussein}}
Reactions to the execution were varied. Criticism came both from Saddam's supporters, who believed it was unjust, and non-supporters, who either wanted additional judgement regarding other crimes besides those he was convicted for (including allegedly worse crimes) and those who approved of his conviction but not of capital punishment. Some supporters considered him a [[martyr]].<ref name="alarabiya-raghad">{{cite news |date=2007-01-01 |title=طفل باكستاني يشنق نفسه أثناء اللعب مقلدا إعدام صدام حسين |language=ar |trans-title=Raghad Saddam Hussein attends a protest in Jordan to protest the execution of her father |publisher=Al-Arabiya |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/Articles/2007/01/01/30399.htm |access-date=2 January 2007 |archive-date=7 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107145106/https://www.alarabiya.net/Articles/2007/01/01/30399.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Copycat hangings===
There were reports of [[copycat suicide|copycat]] deaths influenced by the media coverage. Sergio Pelico, a 10-year-old boy in [[Webster, Texas|Webster]], [[Texas]], United States, hanged himself in his bedroom. His 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. Copycat hangings were blamed for the deaths of seven people worldwide.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/update_detail.asp?id=15802 |title=Children die worldwide after seeing Saddam hang |work=The News International |accessdate=24 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930023711/http://www.thenews.com.pk/update_detail.asp?id=15802 |archivedate=30 September 2007 }}</ref><ref>"[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16624940 Copycat hangings follow Saddam execution]." ''[[NBC News]]''. 14 January 2007.</ref>


==Legality==
Ali Hamza, a professor in the [[Shi'a Islam|Shiite]] town of [[Al Diwaniyah]] said, "Now all the victims’ families will be happy because Saddam got his just sentence."<ref name="msnbc coverage"/>
[[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">{{cite web|url=http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/12/30/iraq14950.htm|title=Iraq: Saddam Hussein Put to Death|access-date=30 December 2006|date=30 December 2006|publisher=[[Human Rights Watch]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104080629/http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/12/30/iraq14950.htm|archive-date=4 January 2007|url-status=live}}</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|access-date=30 December 2006|date=30 December 2006|publisher=[[Amnesty International]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103205025/http://web.amnesty.org/pages/irq-281206-statement-eng|archive-date=3 January 2007}}</ref> Two days before the execution, the [[International Federation for Human Rights|International Federation of Human Rights]] released a statement calling upon the head of state to issue a moratorium on the death sentence pronounced against Saddam by hanging. The organization also said Saddam should be treated as a [[prisoner of war]] under the [[Geneva Conventions]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Iraq: No to death penalty ratification!
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070112172456/http://www.fidh.org/article.php3?id_article=3925
| archive-date= 12 January 2007
| date = 27 December 2006
|url=https://www.fidh.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=3925|access-date=2023-03-14|website=International Federation for Human Rights}}</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>{{cite news |url=http://www.news24.com/News24/World/Iraq/0,,2-10-1460_2050104,00.html |title=Saddam a martyr – lawyers |work=News24.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222224749/http://www.news24.com/News24/World/Iraq/0,,2-10-1460_2050104,00.html |archive-date=22 December 2007 |url-status=dead |date=30 December 2006}}</ref> In a separate statement, Saddam's American defense lawyer called the execution "an unfortunate display of arrogant aggressor's justice 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>{{cite web
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070902023658/http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/12/saddam-lawyers-decry-political.php
| archive-date= 2 September 2007
| work = Jurist
| publisher= University of Pittsburgh School of Law
| date = 30 December 2006
| title= Saddam lawyers decry 'political assassination' in statement
| first = Desiree N. | last= Williams
| url = http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/12/saddam-lawyers-decry-political.php
| url-status=unfit
}}</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>{{ cite web
| first = Juan | last = Cole
| author-link=Juan Cole
| url =http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2006/12/30/saddam/index.html
| title= Saddam: The death of a dictator
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418085751/http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2006/12/30/saddam/index.html |archive-date=18 April 2008
| work=Salon
| date =30 December 2006
| url-status=dead
}}</ref>


However, other legal experts disagreed with these assertions and claims. [[Miranda Sissons]], at the time an independent observer of the trial<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theprint.in/world/human-rights-activist-miranda-sissons-maybe-the-answer-to-facebooks-digital-hate-woes/355716/ | title=Human rights activist Miranda Sissons maybe the answer to Facebook's digital hate woes | date=29 January 2020 }}</ref> and a senior associate at the International Center for Transitional Justice, stated, "This was not a sham trial", and added the Iraqi judges presiding over the trial did "their best to try this case to an entirely new standard for Iraq".<ref name="NYT 2006-11-06">{{cite news |last1=Preston |first1=Julia |author-link=Julia Preston|date=6 November 2006 |title=Hussein Trial Was Flawed but Reasonably Fair, and Verdict Was Justified, Legal Experts Say |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/06/world/middleeast/06trial.html |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Jonathan Drimmer, winner of the first U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Award for Human Rights Law Enforcement<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bsr.org/en/about/staff-bio/jonathan-drimmer | title=Jonathan Drimmer &#124; Our People |publisher=Business for Social Responsibility }}</ref> and a teacher at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC, when asked if the trial met the standards of international justice said, "The answer is no. But to look at the ultimate verdict, it certainly is consistent with the evidence presented", and further added the trial was both "a transparent proceeding" and "a major step for Iraq".<ref name="NYT 2006-11-06"/> [[Michael Scharf]], a professor at [[Case Western Reserve University School of Law]] at the time, who also advised the Iraqi tribunal during the trial, responding to accusations by Saddam's defense team stated, "The U.S. government was not the puppet master of this tribunal" and added, "Saddam was convicted on the strength of his own documents", referring to documents signed by Saddam himself approving execution orders.<ref name="NYT 2006-11-06"/>
"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"/>


==Perception of the Iraqi government==
Shias in Iraq celebrated the execution while some Sunni towns saw protests.<ref name="bbc reactions"/><ref name="voa"/><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"/>
Following the leaking of mobile phone footage of Saddam Hussein's execution, along with the detention on 3 January 2007, of a guard under the Justice Ministry headed by 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|work=CNN|date=3 January 2007|access-date=3 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104235816/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/01/03/saddam.execution/index.html|archive-date=4 January 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with {{lang|it|[[La Repubblica]]}} on 19 January 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 Muqtada look like the real enemy of the Sunnis".<ref>{{cite news |date=19 January 2007 |title=Un esercito segreto contro di noi ma gli sciiti sapranno resistere |language=it |trans-title=A secret army against us but the Shiites will be able to resist |work=[[La Repubblica]] |url=http://www.repubblica.it/2007/01/sezioni/esteri/iraq-108/intervista-sadr/intervista-sadr.html |access-date=4 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606040026/http://www.repubblica.it/2007/01/sezioni/esteri/iraq-108/intervista-sadr/intervista-sadr.html |archive-date=6 June 2011}}{{pb}}Translated at {{cite news |title=Moqtada's interview at La Repubblica |url=http://justworldnews.org/archives/002346.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209045355/http://justworldnews.org/archives/002346.html |archive-date=9 February 2007 |translator=[[Helena Cobban]]}}</ref>


U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] mentioned on 4 January 2007 that he wished that the execution "had gone on in a more dignified way".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/saddam-s-execution-could-have-been-more-dignified-bush-1.661744|title=Saddam's execution could have been more 'dignified': Bush|work=CBC News|date=5 January 2007|access-date=6 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107021447/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/saddam-s-execution-could-have-been-more-dignified-bush-1.661744|archive-date=7 January 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> Bush later stated, in a 16 January 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 Saddam Hussein execution. It reinforced doubts in people's minds that the [[Al Maliki I Government|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=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/white_house/jan-june07/bush_01-16.html|title=President Bush Defends Decision to Send Additional Troops to Iraq|work=The Online NewsHour|publisher=PBS|date=16 January 2007|access-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070119195715/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/white_house/jan-june07/bush_01-16.html|archive-date=19 January 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
According to reports from an official, there was dancing and Shia chants around Saddam's body after the execution took place.<ref name="cnn"/> Meanwhile, [[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. According to CNN, Fox News and the BBC, there have been celebrations in the United States in at least one location in [[Dearborn, Michigan|Dearborn]], [[Michigan]], at the corner of Warren and Greenfield, a heavily [[Muslim]] and Iraqi-American community.


==See also==
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.
{{Portal|Iraq|Law}}
* [[Killing of Muammar Gaddafi]]
* [[Killing of Qusay and Uday Hussein]]
{{Clear}}


==References==
===Political leaders===
{{Reflist|30em}}
====Africa====
* {{flagicon|Libya}} [[Libya]]: [[Muammar al-Gaddafi]] described Saddam's trial as illegitimate (باطلة). He said, as a prisoner of war, international conventions prohibit his trial. Qaddafi added that America and Britain must be put on trial in this matter.<ref name="al-jazeera">{{cite news | first = | last = | coauthors = | title = صدام أعدم شنقا <!--we need an English title for this-->| url = http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1F6D6711-9C2A-4102-A726-C625A3A5AB13.htm | publisher = [[Al Jazeera]] | date = | accessdate = 2006-12-30 | language = Arabic}}</ref> <!--Yes, this source isn't in English. Try http://translate.google.com (Arabic -> English beta) in order to get a basic understanding of the text--> Libya has declared three days of national mourning after the execution declaring Saddam a "prisoner of war." Flags were lowered to half-mast on public buildings and all festivities for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, which begins this weekend, have been cancelled.<ref name="rte-reactions"/>


==External links==
* {{flagicon|South Africa}} [[South Africa]]: "South Africa remains convinced that his execution is not the panacea to the current political problems in Iraq, but could fuel violence in an already volatile situation," said Ronnie Mamoepa, the foreign affairs spokesman.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.sabcnews.com/world/the_middle_east/0,2172,140947,00.html | title = Saddam execution will not solve Iraqi problems | work = SABC News | date = December 30, 2006, 11:30}}</ref>
<!-- These video links are not to be deleted or censored, as per consensus on talk page -->
* {{YouTube|id=fII8DgMfdUc|title=Video of execution}}


{{Saddam Hussein}}
====Americas====
{{Iraq War}}
* {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Brazil]]: "The (Brazilian) government does not believe carrying out this sentence will contribute to bringing peace to Iraq."&ndash; [[Foreign relations of Brazil|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] [[press release]].<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>


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hussein, Saddam}}
* {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]]: A spokesperson for the [[Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Canada)|Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade]] said Canada joined other countries in wishing a peaceful and prosperous future for Iraq.<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>
[[Category:Trial of Saddam Hussein|*]]

[[Category:Deaths by person in Iraq]]
* {{flagicon|Chile}} [[Chile]]: [[Chancellor]] (S) Alberto Van Klaveren on behalf of the Chilean government expressed rejection “for reasons of principles” the execution of ex-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and concern for the country's stability.<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>
[[Category:Filmed executions in Iraq]]

[[Category:21st-century executions by Iraq]]
* {{flagicon|Peru}} [[Peru]]: 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. However, 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>
[[Category:Al-Kadhimayn]]

[[Category:December 2006 events in Iraq]]
* {{flagicon|US}} [[United States]]: "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." &ndash; [[President of the United States|President]] [[George W. Bush]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/special_packages/iraq/16349042.htm | title = Bush: Saddam Hussein's execution will not end violence in Iraq | author = Deb Riechmann, [[Associated Press]] | work = [[San Jose Mercury News]] | date = 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref>
[[Category:2006 in Baghdad]]

[[Category:Baghdad in the Iraq War]]
====Asia====
[[Category:Political history of Baghdad]]
* {{flagicon|Afghanistan}} [[Afghanistan]]: "The execution of the former Iraqi president is the work of Iraq's government. We wish the Iraqi people prosperity, happiness and success. Eid is the day of happiness, the day of goodness, the day of reconciliation, not the day of revenge." &ndash; [[President of Afghanistan|Afghanistan President]] [[Hamid Karzai]].
[[Category:Iraq War legal issues]]

[[Category:2006 in law]]
* {{flagicon|Cambodia}} [[Cambodia]]: Cambodia, still struggling to begin its own long-delayed trials for atrocities committed in the 1970s by the genocidal [[Khmer Rouge]], said the execution should not have taken place. "Democracy has grown very much in Iraq, but in the end the death penalty still exists," information minister Khieu Kanharith said. "We do not support it because we have already abolished capital punishment. So we do not support the death penalty, but we support the process of finding justice for the people," he added.<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>

* {{flagicon|China}} [[People's Republic of China]]: China said Iraqi people should decide their affairs and hoped that the strife-torn nation can realize stability and development soon. <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>

* {{flagicon|India}} [[India]]: "We had already expressed the hope that the execution would not be carried out. We are disappointed that it has been." &ndash; Minister of external affairs [[Pranab Mukherjee]].<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>
**[[Indian National Congress]], the left parties and the [[Samajwadi Party]] condemned the execution.<ref>{{cite news |title =
Saddam Execution: India 'disappointed'|url =http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=11&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=19093| publisher =Business Standard|date =2006-12-30|accessdate =2006-12-30}}</ref>
**K. Subrahmanyam, Head of the Indian government's task force on global strategic developments, attributed the Government's official reaction to "short-sighted [[vote bank]] politics and said that the execution "was by an Iraqi court for an Iraqi crime - for killing Iraqi Shias."
**"Saddam deserved nothing less than death. The hanging should be seen as a victory for justice." — Mirza Mohammad Athar, President of the All India Shia Personal Law Board.<ref>{{cite news |title =Muslim groups divided on Saddam|url =http://www.ibnlive.com/news/muslims-divided-on-saddams-execution/29856-3.html| publisher =[[CNN IBN|IBN]]|date =2006-12-30|accessdate =2006-12-30}}</ref>

* {{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Indonesia]]: The government in the world's largest Muslim nation, Indonesia, said it hoped Saddam's execution "will not further separate conflicting parties in the effort toward a national reconciliation, which is a precondition in recovering Iraqi sovereignty."
**Fauzan Al Anshori, from the Islamic group of Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia, said Bush, too, should stand trial. "Given the crime blamed on Saddam, it is unfair if George Bush is not also put on an international tribunal," he said. "Saddam was executed for killings 148 people, Shiite Muslims, while Bush is responsible for the killing of about 600,000 Iraqis since the March 2003 invasion."<ref>{{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>

* {{flagicon|Iran}} [[Iran]]: "With regard to Saddam's execution, it amounts to a victory of the Iraqi people as they were the winners of 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 to itself. [...] Investigation into the [[Iran-Iraq War|Iraqi invasion in Iran]] (1980-1988) and in 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> - Deputy Foreign Minister [[Hamid Reza Asefi]].

* {{flagicon|Israel}} [[Israel]]: "Saddam Hussein brought about his own demise. This was a man who caused a great deal of harm to his people and who was a major threat to [[Israel]],"<ref name="rte-reactions" /> said Deputy Prime Minister [[Shimon Peres]].

* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]]: "We have acknowledged that the judgment has been made according to due process and pay respect to the legal procedures that the Iraqi government has taken. That said, what is most important in our view is to make this sentence not a new source of conflict but of reconciliation between the Iraqi people."<ref name="international comments"/> — Foreign Ministry Spokesman [[Tomohiko Taniguchi]]

* {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Malaysia]]: "The international community is not in favour of the hanging and questions the due process that took place. We are surprised that the hanging went ahead notwithstanding. I think there will be repercussions. This is not the answer" - Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar <ref name="BBC_execution_quotes"/>

* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Pakistan]]: Pakistan's Prime Minister [[Shaukat Aziz]] termed execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein a "sad incident" and hoped the security situation in the country would not be further exacerbated.<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>
**[[Liaqat Baloch]], a leader of the [[Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal]], a coalition of six religious parties, told [[The Associated Press]] by phone that Saddam had not received justice. "We have no sympathy with Saddam Hussein, but we will also say that he did not get justice. The execution of Saddam Hussein will further destabilize Iraq. There will be more sectarian violence in Iraq, and we believe that the execution of Saddam Hussein is part of the American plan to disintegrate Iraq," he added.<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 = USA Today | date = 12/30/2006 2:17 AM ET}}</ref>

* {{flagicon|Palestine}} [[Palestinian territories|Palestinian Authority]]: In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the execution of Saddam Hussein sent many Palestinians into mourning. Palestinians struggled to come to terms with the demise of their steadfast ally. In the West Bank town of Bethlehem locals opened a house of condolence, where dozens of people gathered to mourn Saddam. The organizers hung Iraqi flags, pictures of Hussein and played Iraqi revolutionary songs. <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]]: The ruling Hamas movement in the Palestinian territories called the execution of Saddam a "political assassination." A Hamas spokesman, Fawzi Barhum, said, "Saddam Hussein was a prisoner of war. [The] hanging ... is a political assassination that violates all international laws that are supposed to protect prisoners of war."<ref>http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=18985</ref>

* {{flagicon|Sri Lanka}} [[Sri Lanka]]: In Sri Lanka, a Muslim government minister also condemned the execution for offending Muslims around the start of Eid al-Adha. "As a Muslim, I feel the execution could have been avoided," said Hussein Bhaila, who declined to comment on the judgment against the former dictator. <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 = USA Today | date = 12/30/2006 2:17 AM ET}}</ref>

* {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Thailand]]: Kitti Wasinondh, a spokesman at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "We are optimistic that it will not lead to any further violence." Former Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan, a Muslim who served under the Democrat Party, said he expected the execution would increase tension in the war on terror because of Saddam's many followers.<ref name="bangkokpostbreakingnews"/>

====Europe====
* {{flagicon|Europe}} [[European Union]]: [[European Commissioner]] for [[Development Aid]] [[Louis Michel]] stated that the execution of Saddam Hussein is against the fundamental principles of the European Union. The EU is against the death penalty, whatever are 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 fears that the execution of Saddam has 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>

* {{flagicon|Austria}} [[Austria]]: "Austria has always campaigned against the impunity of people in the highest positions of political responsibility and supports the effort for an effective international penal jurisdiction. At the same time Austria rejects the death penalty as a matter of principle and stands for its worldwide abolition. This applies without exception and cruelty of the committed crime. Saddam Hussein's guilt in oppressing his own people, the assassination of political enemies and innocent civilians is undoubtedly documented. However, Austria's stance against the death penalty also applies in this case." - Austrian [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] Press Release <ref name= AustrianReaction>{{de icon}} {{cite web| url=http://www.news.at/channels/16/main.shtml |title=Reaktionen auf Saddams Tod ("Reactions to Saddams Death")|accessdate= 2006-12-30}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]]: The Belgian Foreign Minister, [[Karel De Gucht]], repeated his objection to the execution and death penalty in general. He also expressed the hope that the violence in Iraq would come to an end, now that the personification of the cruel regime had died. <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>

* {{flagicon|Denmark}} [[Denmark]]: The Danish Prime Minister, [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]], said that Denmark condemned the actions of Saddam Hussein, but did not support the capital punishment. "This has been pointed out to the Iraqi government on several occasions and this is also the reason we have not aided the [[Trial_of_Saddam_Hussein|Iraqi Special Tribunal]] against him," he said in a statement. Foreign Minister [[Per Stig Møller]] said to Danish television that he would rather seen that Saddam Hussein had been tried at an international tribunal.<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>

* {{flagicon|Finland}} [[Finland]]: Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs, [[Erkki Tuomioja]], replied that the [[European Union]] opposes capital punishment. "Even if there are no doubts that Saddam Hussein is guilty of very serious crimes against humanity, very serious comments have been made about the court process in Iraq." <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>

* {{FRA}}: "France calls upon all Iraqis to look towards the future and work towards reconciliation and national unity. Now more than ever, the objective should be a return to full sovereignty and stability in Iraq. France, which like the rest of its European partners advocates the universal abolition of capital punishment, notes the execution of Saddam Hussein on Saturday. That decision was made by the people and the sovereign authorities of Iraq." — French Foreign Ministry <ref name="international comments"/>

* {{GER}}: "Saddam Hussein was sentenced by an Iraqi court, and this verdict has been executed. We do respect this verdict. However, it is known, that the Federal Government of Germany is against capital punishment. On a day like this, my thoughts are foremost with the many innocent victims of Saddam Hussein. I do wish for the Iraqi people that it will find its way without violence and in peace." — [[German chancellor]] [[Angela Merkel]] <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>
**"The federal government of Germany is against capital punishment, no matter where. However there is no doubt about the crimes of Saddam Hussein." — German Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs [[Gernot Erler]] <ref name="GermanReaction">{{de icon}} {{cite news | url = http://www.tagesschau.de/audio/0,,OID6250598_RESreal_PLYinternal_NAV_,00.html | title = Reaktionen aus Europa zur Hinrichtung | language = de | publisher = ARD | date = 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref>

* {{GRE}}: "As known, Greece, together with all member states of the European Union, has abolished the death penalty. The execution of dictator Saddam Hussein is one more dramatic moment added to the troubled history of Iraq. We hope that it is the last. We wish and hope the friendly Iraqi people will follow the route to reconciliation and ethnic unanimity. The only route that can lead to a peaceful, secure and democratic future." [[Dora Bakoyannis]], [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Greece)|Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs]] <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>

* {{flagicon|Iceland}} [[Iceland]]: Minister of foreign affairs said that the Iraqi court was legal, and that the Icelandic government accepted the sentence, however that the government of Iceland was opposed to death penalty. Additionally, he stated that all political party leaders in Iceland were afraid of the execution's consequences.<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>

* {{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Ireland]]: "We have to accept the right of the Iraqi judiciary to hand down a sentence. Ireland however, in common with its EU partners, does not approve of capital punishment. I believe Saddam Hussein should have ended his years behind bars for his heinous crimes." - [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ireland)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]] [[Dermot Ahern]]<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>

* {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]]: "Italy is against the death penalty and so even in such a dramatic case as Saddam Hussein, we still think that the death penalty must not be put into action." - [[Prime Minister of Italy|Prime Minister]] [[Romano Prodi]]<ref name="BBC_execution_quotes"/>

* {{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Netherlands]]: "It's understandable that Saddam Hussein received the most severe punishment under Iraqi law. Nevertheless, we are opposed to the death penalty, which is inhumane and barbaric; even in Hussein's case, the sentence should not have been carried out." <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> — [[Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands|Deputy Prime Minister]] [[Gerrit Zalm]]

* {{flagicon|Norway}} [[Norway]]: The Norwegian foreign minister [[Jonas Gahr Støre]] said that Norway regrets that the execution was carried out, and that the execution does not solve the political problems of Iraq. However, "it is important that Iraq's former dictator was tried and condemned for some of his crimes against humanity. It would be desirable that the remaining crimes that he committed also be tried in court. At the same time Norway opposes the use of the death penalty in principle, and therefore regrets the execution of Saddam Hussein."<ref name="aaa">http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/irak/article1584691.ece</ref>, <ref name="Norwegian reaction">http://www.dep.no/ud/english/news/news/032171-430062/dok-bn.html</ref>

* {{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Portugal]]: "The Portuguese Government reaffirms its total opposition to death penalty in all cases and circumstances."<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>

* {{flagicon|Russia}} [[Russia]]: "Regrettably, repeated calls by representatives of various nations and international organizations to the Iraqi authorities to refrain from capital punishment were not heard. Saddam Hussein's execution can lead to further aggravation of the military and political situation and the growth of ethnic and confessional tensions."<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> — [[Foreign Ministry (Russia)|Foreign Ministry]] spokesman [[Mikhail Kamynin]]

* {{flagicon|Serbia}} [[Serbia]]: "We have seen that the situation in Iraq is chaotic. I am afraid this might cause even worse consequences. Serbia strongly objects to the death penalty. Calls against execution made by non-governmental organization such as Amnesty International should have been accepted"<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 = Različite reakcije na smrt Huseina | publisher = B92 | date = 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30}}</ref> — [[Minister of Justice (Serbia)|Minister of Justice]] [[Zoran Stojković]]

* {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]]: "All [[dictator]]s must answer for their crimes, but I cannot support this kind of punishment, I am against the death penalty."<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> — [[Prime Minister of Spain|Prime Minister]] [[José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero]]

* {{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Sweden]]: "Sweden and the European Union are without exception against the death penalty. I have earlier expressed the wish for the death sentence of Saddam Hussein being commuted to life in prison."<ref name="cri-spain">{{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> — [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Sweden)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]] [[Carl Bildt]]

* {{flagicon|Switzerland}} [[Switzerland]]: "Saddam Hussein was a criminal, but the DFA disapproves of his execution. ... Switzerland advocates the abolition of the death penalty in the context of both its multilateral and in its bilateral diplomacy."<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> — [[Federal Department of Foreign Affairs]] press release

* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[United Kingdom]]: "I welcome the fact that Saddam Hussein has been tried by an Iraqi court for at least some of the appalling crimes he committed against the Iraqi people. He has now been held to account [...] The British government does not support the use of the death penalty, in Iraq or anywhere else [...] We have made our position very clear to the Iraqi authorities, but we respect their decision as that of a sovereign nation."<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> — [[Foreign Secretary]] [[Margaret Beckett]]

* {{VAT}}: "An execution is always tragic news, reason for sadness, even in the case of a person who is guilty of grave crimes." - [[Holy See]] spokesperson [[Federico Lombardi]].<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><br>"[The execution punishes] a crime with another crime...The death penalty is not a natural death. And no one can give death, not even the state." - [[Cardinal]] [[Renato Martino]], president of the [[Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace]].<ref name="forbescomments"/>

====Oceania====
* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Australia]]: "I believe there is something quite heroic about a country that is going through the pain and the suffering that Iraq is going through, yet still extends due process to somebody who was a tyrant and brutal suppressor and murderer of his people. That is the mark of a country that is trying against fearful odds to embrace democracy."<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20714573-2,00.html | title = Verdict a 'victory for freedom' | publisher = News.com.au | date = 2006-12-30 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> — [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] [[John Howard]]
**"The people of Iraq now know that their brutal [[dictator]] will never come back to lead them. While many will continue to grieve over their personal loss under his rule, his death marks an important step in consigning his tyrannical regime to the judgment of history and pursuing a process of reconciliation now and in the future."<ref name="rte-reactions">{{cite news | url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1230/husseins1.html | title = Mixed reaction to Saddam execution | work = [[RTÉ]] | date = 2006-12-29 | accessdate = 2006-12-30 }}</ref> — [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Australia)|Foreign Minister]] [[Alexander Downer]]
**"Labor has a universal position of opposition to the death penalty both at home and abroad. [[..]] It is not possible in our view to be selective in the application of this policy."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20991540-1702,00.html|title=Labor opposed to death penalty|publisher=[[News.com.au]]|date=[[2006-12-31]]|accessdate=2006-12-31}}</ref> — Leader of the Opposition [[Kevin Rudd]]

* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[New Zealand]]: "New Zealand does not support the death penalty as a matter of principle. We acknowledge, however, that Saddam Hussein’s execution occurred within the framework of Iraqi law, and as a response to his crimes against humanity. New Zealand regarded the guilty verdict as appropriate. The task now is for the people of Iraq to look forward and work for a stable unified Iraqi nation."<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> - Minister [[Trevor Mallard]]

===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="BBC_execution_quotes">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6218597.stm Saddam hanged: Reaction in quotes], BBC News, December 30, 2006</ref> &ndash; 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="BBC_execution_quotes">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6218597.stm Saddam hanged: Reaction in quotes], BBC News, December 30, 2006</ref> &ndash; 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." &ndash; Executive Director Larry Cox.<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>

* [[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" &ndash; President Sidiki Kaba.<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>

==Criticism==
Saddam's lawyers have stated that they believe that the trial was unfair, calling the trial "political assassination," and will continue to "[use] all legal paths available locally and internationally until public opinion gets the truth..."<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>

[[Human Rights Watch]] issued a statement claiming 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]] also released a statement saying 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> The [[International Federation of Human Rights]] released a statement on [[December 27]], two days before Saddam's death, calling "upon Iraq's Head of State to ensure a moratorium on the death sentence pronounced against Saddam Hussein." The organization also claimed Saddam should be treated as a [[prisoner of war]] and receive the rights of one, according to 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>

==Other notes==

Lawyers for Saddam Hussein sought unsuccessfully to block his transfer from U.S. custody to the custody of Iraqi officials in court documents filed on the afternoon of [[December 29]] at a federal court in Washington D.C.<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>

==References==
<div class="references-2column"><references/></div>

==External links==
*[http://today.reuters.com/tv/videoChannel.aspx?storyid=a12e30546019929f3625ae1d8bb4eb8ae3c00394 Saddam Hussein before execution] — (Reuters) video footage of the executioners placing the noose around the neck of Saddam Hussein.
*[http://edition.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/world/2006/12/30/vo.iraq.hussein.dead.body.reut Saddam Hussein's execution (after)] — (CNN) video footage moments after the execution.
*[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7532034279766935521 Amateur footage of execution] - Cell phone video footage of Saddam's hanging, including his final moments.
*[http://www.indierockcafe.com/2006/12/cell-phone-video-hanging-of-saddam.html Rare hanging view] - Unedited, full audio of cell phone video of hanging.
[[Category:Saddam Hussein]]
[[Category:2006 in Iraq]]


[[es:Ejecución de Saddam Hussein]]
[[es:Sadam Husein#Ejecución]]
[[hu:Szaddám Huszein kivégzése]]
[[pl:Egzekucja Saddama Husajna]]
<s></s>

Latest revision as of 01:02, 2 December 2024

Execution of Saddam Hussein
Part of the Iraq War
Saddam Hussein at his trial in July 2004
Date30 December 2006; 17 years ago (2006-12-30)
VenueCamp Justice, Kadhimiya, Baghdad, Iraq
This article is part of
a series about
Saddam Hussein
Personal
Affiliations
Political offices
Rise to power
Presidency
Desposition
Elections and referendums
Novels
Saddam Hussein's signature

The execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein took place on 30 December 2006. Saddam was sentenced to death by hanging, after being convicted of crimes against humanity by the Iraqi Special Tribunal for the Dujail massacre—the killing of 148 Iraqi Shi'ites in the town of Dujail—in 1982, in retaliation for an assassination attempt against him.[1]

The Iraqi government released an official video of his execution, showing him being led to the gallows, and ending after the hangman's noose was placed over his head. International public controversy arose when a mobile phone recording of the hanging showed him surrounded by a contingent of his countrymen who jeered him in Arabic and praised the Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and his subsequent fall through the trap door of the gallows.

Saddam's body was returned to his birthplace of Al-Awja, near Tikrit, on 31 December and was buried near the graves of other family members.

Background

[edit]
See also: Capture of Saddam Hussein, Interrogation of Saddam Hussein, and Trial of Saddam Hussein

After being sentenced to death by an Iraqi court, Saddam requested to be executed by firing squad rather than hanging, claiming it as the lawful military capital punishment and citing his former position of commander-in-chief of the Iraqi military. This request was denied by the court.[2][3] Two days prior to the execution, a letter written by Saddam appeared on the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party website. In the letter, he urged the Iraqi people to unite, and not to hate the people of countries that invaded Iraq, like the United States, but instead the decision-makers. He said he was ready to die as a martyr and that he was at peace with his death sentence.[4] Hours before the execution, Saddam ate his last meal of chicken and rice with a cup of hot water with honey.

Execution

[edit]

Time and place

[edit]

Saddam was executed by hanging at approximately 05:50 UTC +03:00 on the first day of Eid al-Adha (30 December 2006).[5][6] Reports conflicted as to the exact time of the execution, with some sources reporting the time as 06:00, 06:05, or some, as late as 06:10.[5][6][7]

The execution took place at the joint Iraqi-U.S. military base Camp Justice, located in Kazimain, a north-eastern suburb of Baghdad. 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 15 January 2007. Saddam's cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid was also sentenced to death and was hanged on 25 January 2010.

Proceedings

[edit]

A senior Iraqi official who was involved in the events leading to Saddam's demise was quoted as saying, "The Americans wanted to delay the execution by 15 days because they weren't keen on having him executed right away, but during the day [before 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."[8] U.S. military spokesman Maj. Gen. William Caldwell told journalists in Baghdad that after "physical control" of Saddam was given to the Iraqi government, "the multinational force had absolutely no direct involvement with [the execution] whatsoever."[9] There were no U.S. representatives present in the execution chamber.[10][11]

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 before his execution. Iraqi National Security Advisor Mowaffak al-Rubaie, who was a witness to Saddam's execution, described Saddam as repeatedly shouting "down with the invaders".[12] 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.[13]

Witnesses described Saddam as appearing "broken and weak" yet "unrepentant" prior to his hanging.[14] Sami al-Askari, a witness to the execution, said, "Before the rope was put around his neck, Saddam shouted, 'Allahu Akbar. The Muslim Ummah will be victorious and Palestine is Arab!'"[15] Saddam also stressed that the Iraqis should fight the American invaders.[16] After the rope was secured, guards shouted various rebukes including "Muqtada! Muqtada! Muqtada!" in reference to Muqtada al-Sadr; Saddam laughed, repeating the name mockingly and rebuked the shouts stating, "Do you consider this bravery?"[13][17][18][19][20] A Shi'a version of an Islamic prayer was recited by some of those present in the room while Saddam recited a Sunni version of an Islamic prayer.[21] One observer told Saddam:

Go to hell!

Saddam replied,

The hell that is Iraq?[22]

In response to the heckling of one of the masked guards (the man said "You have destroyed us, you have killed us. You have made us live in destitution!"), Saddam replied: "I have saved you from destitution and misery and destroyed your enemies, the Persians and Americans."[23]

The deputy prosecutor, Munqith al-Faroun, responded to hecklers, stating,[24]

Please, stop. The man is facing an execution.

Saddam began to recite the Shahada twice. Before finishing his second recitation, the trapdoor sprang. His last word was, "Muhammad."[20] 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."[25] During the drop, there was an audible crack, indicating that Saddam's neck was broken.[26] After Saddam was suspended for a few minutes, the doctor present listened with a stethoscope for a heartbeat. After he detected nothing, the rope was cut, and the body was placed in a coffin. Saddam was confirmed dead at 06:03.[27]

Alleged postmortem stabbings

[edit]

According to Talal Misrab, the head guard at Saddam's tomb, who also helped in the burial, Saddam was stabbed six times after he was executed. The head of Saddam's tribe, Sheikh Hasan al-Neda, denies this claim. Mowaffak al-Rubaie stated, "I oversaw the whole process from A–Z and Saddam Hussein's body was not stabbed or mutilated, and he was not humiliated before execution."[28]

Burial

[edit]

Saddam's body was buried in his birthplace of Al-Awja in Tikrit, Iraq, near family members, including his two sons Uday and Qusay Hussein, on 31 December 2006 at 04:00 local time (01:00 GMT).[29][30][31] His body was transported to Tikrit by a U.S. military helicopter, where he was handed over from Iraqi government possession to Sheikh Ali al-Nida, the late head of the Albu Nasir tribe and governor of Saladin. It was buried about three kilometers (2 mi) from his two sons' bodies, in the same extensive cemetery. Saddam's grave, in a family plot, was dug into the floor of an octagonal, domed building he had ordered the construction of in the 1980s for religious festivals at the site.

Saddam's eldest daughter Raghad, under 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.[32] The family also said his body might be buried in Ramadi, citing safety concerns, though there are no plans to do this.[29] The tomb where Saddam's body was buried was later destroyed during fighting between Islamic State militants and Iraqi forces.[33] Saddam's body had reportedly been removed by a Sunni tribal group before the tomb's destruction.[34]

Media coverage

[edit]

The primary news source for the execution was the state-run Iraqi television news station Al Iraqiya, whose announcer said that the "criminal Saddam was hanged to death". A scrolling headline read, "Saddam's execution marks the end of a dark period of Iraq's history". Al Arabiya reported that Saddam's lawyer had confirmed Saddam's death.[35]

Major news networks carried official video of the moments leading up to Saddam's execution. The Iraqi government also released pictures of Saddam's dead body in a shroud.

Mobile phone video

[edit]

While officially released footage of the event stopped short of showing the actual execution, an amateur video shot using a mobile phone from a staircase leading up to the gallows surfaced; it contained low-quality footage of the entire hanging.[36] The amateur footage, unlike the official footage, included sound; witnesses could be heard taunting Saddam at the gallows,[37] to which the former dictator replied "goddamn you."[38]

On 3 January 2007, the Iraqi government arrested the guard who they believed made the mobile phone video. However, it was too late to prevent it from spreading across the Internet.[39] 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 recording and leak.[40]

Reaction

[edit]
Main article: Reactions to the execution of Saddam Hussein

Reactions to the execution were varied. Criticism came both from Saddam's supporters, who believed it was unjust, and non-supporters, who either wanted additional judgement regarding other crimes besides those he was convicted for (including allegedly worse crimes) and those who approved of his conviction but not of capital punishment. Some supporters considered him a martyr.[41]

Copycat hangings

[edit]

There were reports of copycat deaths influenced by the media coverage. Sergio Pelico, a 10-year-old boy in Webster, Texas, United States, hanged himself in his bedroom. His 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. Copycat hangings were blamed for the deaths of seven people worldwide.[42][43]

Legality

[edit]

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".[44] 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".[45] Two days before the execution, the International Federation of Human Rights released a statement calling upon the head of state to issue a moratorium on the death sentence pronounced against Saddam by hanging. The organization also said Saddam should be treated as a prisoner of war under the Geneva Conventions.[46] 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".[47] In a separate statement, Saddam's American defense lawyer called the execution "an unfortunate display of arrogant aggressor's justice 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."[48] 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.[49]

However, other legal experts disagreed with these assertions and claims. Miranda Sissons, at the time an independent observer of the trial[50] and a senior associate at the International Center for Transitional Justice, stated, "This was not a sham trial", and added the Iraqi judges presiding over the trial did "their best to try this case to an entirely new standard for Iraq".[51] Jonathan Drimmer, winner of the first U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Award for Human Rights Law Enforcement[52] and a teacher at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC, when asked if the trial met the standards of international justice said, "The answer is no. But to look at the ultimate verdict, it certainly is consistent with the evidence presented", and further added the trial was both "a transparent proceeding" and "a major step for Iraq".[51] Michael Scharf, a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law at the time, who also advised the Iraqi tribunal during the trial, responding to accusations by Saddam's defense team stated, "The U.S. government was not the puppet master of this tribunal" and added, "Saddam was convicted on the strength of his own documents", referring to documents signed by Saddam himself approving execution orders.[51]

Perception of the Iraqi government

[edit]

Following the leaking of mobile phone footage of Saddam Hussein's execution, along with the detention on 3 January 2007, of a guard under the Justice Ministry headed by Sunni Iraqi minister Hashim Abderrahman al-Shibli, suspicions have arisen that the ministry may have intended to inflame sectarian tensions.[53] In an interview with La Repubblica on 19 January 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 Muqtada look like the real enemy of the Sunnis".[54]

U.S. President George W. Bush mentioned on 4 January 2007 that he wished that the execution "had gone on in a more dignified way".[55] Bush later stated, in a 16 January 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 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."[56]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Saddam buried in village of his birth". Associated Press. 31 December 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2006.
  2. ^ "The Sydney Morning Herald 404 Page". The Sydney Morning Herald. 26 July 2006. Retrieved 23 February 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ "Saddam prefers death by shooting". The Washington Times. 3 January 2006. Archived from the original on 13 December 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  4. ^ "Saddam Bids Iraqis Farewell in Letter, Urges Unity". RedBolivia. 28 December 2006. Archived from the original on 7 October 2007.
  5. ^ a b "Saddam Hussein executed, ending era in Iraq". NBC News. 29 December 2006. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
  6. ^ a b "Saddam Body Flown Home". Sky News. 29 December 2006. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
  7. ^ "Saddam hanged but no let-up in Iraq violence". Reuters. 31 December 2006. Retrieved 5 January 2007.[permanent dead link‍]
  8. ^ "Iraqi Sunnis vent anger over video of Saddam's fighting". The Daily Star. 3 January 2007. Archived from the original on 5 January 2007. Retrieved 3 January 2007.
  9. ^ "U.S. Distances Itself From Saddam Hanging". CBS News. 3 January 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 3 January 2007.
  10. ^ "Hussein executed with 'fear in his face'". CNN. 30 December 2006. Archived from the original on 29 December 2006. Retrieved 30 December 2006.
  11. ^ Raghavan, Sudarsan. "Saddam Hussein is Put to Death". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2006.
  12. ^ "A Historic Day For Iraq". Sky News. 30 December 2006. Archived from the original on 22 January 2007. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
  13. ^ a b Santora, Marc (31 December 2006). "On the Gallows, Curses for U.S. and 'Traitors'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2007.
  14. ^ "Saddam goes to the gallows". Manchester Evening News. 15 February 2007. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  15. ^ "Saddam Hussein dies on the gallows, exiting the Iraqi stage after a long, brutal reign". Associated Press. 30 December 2006. Archived from the original on 6 September 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2006.
  16. ^ "Witness to Saddam's death". BBC News. 30 December 2006. Archived from the original on 3 January 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2006.
  17. ^ "Attempts to anger Saddam moments before his execution, Al Jazeera, 1 January 2007". Archived from the original on 8 January 2007. Retrieved 8 January 2007.
  18. ^ Penketh, Anne (1 January 2007). "Guards taunted Saddam in final seconds". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
  19. ^ "Witness: Saddam Hussein argued with guards moments before death". CNN. 30 December 2006. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  20. ^ a b Lin, Carol (30 December 2006). Camera phone in Hussein's execution chamber (Windows Media). CNN. Archived from the original on 7 January 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2006.
  21. ^ Simpson, John (30 December 2006). "Saddam hanging taunts evoke ugly past". BBC News. Archived from the original on 7 January 2007. Retrieved 1 January 2007.
  22. ^ Parsons, Claudia (31 December 2006). "'Fallen tyrant' taunted in Saddam video". Reuters. Archived from the original on 7 September 2012. Retrieved 7 December 2007.
  23. ^ Santora, Marc (31 December 2006). "On the Gallows, Curses for U.S. and 'Traitors'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  24. ^ Raghavan, Sudarsan (31 December 2006). "In Hussein's Last Minutes, Jeers and a Cry for Calm". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 24 September 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  25. ^ Tavernise, Sabrina (1 January 2007). "For Sunnis, Dictator's Degrading End Signals Ominous Dawn for the New Iraq". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2007.
  26. ^ "Saddam Hussein Hanging Video Shows Defiance, Taunts and Glee". National Ledger. 1 January 2007. Archived from the original on 23 March 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2007.
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