On Sunday, November 5, the Iraqi court, with the support of the United States, sentenced Saddam Hussein to death. The sentence was for Saddam to be hanged, much to his dislike, since he claimed he wanted to face a military firing squad instead. We all are familiar with why Saddam was facing charges, but the case was made based on the 1982 killing of 148 Shiite men. While Saddam was the main focus for the public view, the trial sentenced Saddam’s half brother Barzan al-Tikriti to death for his part in the 1982 torturing and killing of the Shiite men. The former Vice President, Taha Yassin Ramadam, was sentenced to life imprisonment, and three Baath party officials were sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
Saddam was said to have shouted “Allahu Akbar!” which means God is Greatest, and “Long live Iraq,” when receiving his verdict.
The U.S. and Iraqi officials believe that the sentencing proves the Iraqi independence and is a new landmark in the development of international war crimes law. The US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said that “closing the book on Saddam and his regime was a chance for Iraqis to unite.”
While the U.S. supports the newly formed Iraqi government and their decision to sentence Saddam to be hanged, the European Union urged Iraq not to execute Saddam.
Shiite towns celebrated as the streets were full of people dancing and chanting for joy after the televised hearing was complete. Women were joyful to know the man responsible for the death of their sons would be put to death.
There was a different scene in Saddam’s hometown, Tikrit. Men shouted “Saddam! I give my life and blood for you, Saddam!” while waving his portrait in the air.
The Bush administration continued to state that the sentence in no way was set up to affect the U.S. mid-term election held on November 7.