Verdict due in Saddam trial over executions


IRAQ is bracing itself for another surge of violence tomorrow, when Saddam Hussein is expected to be sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.

Iraq’s national security adviser, Mowaffak al-Rubaie, told The Times that the central provinces of Baghdad, Diyala and Salahaddin would be placed under curfew. “There are more security measures under consideration,” he added.

Saddam, his half-brother Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, Taha Yassin Ramadan, his VicePresident, and Awad al-Bandhar, a judge, face possible death sentences for the execution of 148 Shia villagers from the town of Dujail after a failed 1982 assassination attempt on the then Iraqi leader. Four others face lighter sentences.

Saddam is likely to win the right to appeal against any death sentence.


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2436987,00.html