Saddam sentenced to death by hanging

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-06-2006 08:57

Special Report:   Iraq in Transition

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein yells at the court as he receives his verdict during his trial held under tight security in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone November 5, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has been sentenced to death. The country's High Tribunal found him guilty of crimes against humanity for the killings that followed an attempt to assassinate him in 1982.  Analysts : Execution is not certain 

Saddam initially refused the judge's order to rise. Two bailiffs lifted Saddam to his feet and he remained standing through the sentencing. Saddam shouted, "Long live Iraq. Long live the nation. God is greater than the occupiers."

The court also sentenced two other defendants to death. Saddam's cousin Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti and his chief judge Awad al-Bandar. Former vice president Taha Yassin Ramadan was sentenced to life in prison.

The charges stemmed from the killing of 148 Shi'ite men in Dujail after an assassination attempt against Saddam in 1982. A death sentence or life imprisonment generates an automatic appeal, delaying any execution by months at least.

Iraqi reaction

Some people on the streets of Baghdad and the Holy City of Najaf welcomed the verdict, and celebratory gunfire rang out in parts of the cities. Some declared the court a product of the U.S. "occupation forces" and decried the verdict.  Full Story >>

US reactions : Bush hails Saddam Hussein's death sentence

President George W. Bush has hailed the verdict on Saddam Hussein as a milestone for Iraqis. Bush said,“Saddam Hussein's trial is a milestone.” Full Story >>

European reaction : Reactions are different

Europe welcomed the verdict but some are saying Saddam Hussein should not be put to death. Full Story >>

 

 

Editor:Sun Luying