Saddam verdict expected within 3 weeks
(AP) Updated: 2006-10-16 10:23
Bagdad, Iraq - A verdict against Saddam Hussein and seven co-defendants
charged in connection with an anti-Shiite crackdown in the 1980s will be issued
by early next month, the chief prosecutor in their trial said Sunday.
Former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein gestures as he addresses
the court as Sultan Hashim Ahmad al-Tai, first row left, Sabir al-Douri,
second row left, Farhan Mutlaq Saleh, second row, right, Ali Hassan
al-Majid third row left, and Taher Tawfiq al-Ani, third row right, listen
during their trial held in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, October
11, 2006. [AP Photo] |
Jaafar al-Moussawi, the prosecutor, said sentences would be handed out the
same day for those found guilty.
The former Iraqi leader could be sentenced to death if convicted of the
charges of crimes against humanity. However, he could appeal the sentence before
a higher, nine-judge court. His co-defendants include his former deputy, Taha
Yassin Ramadan, and his half brother and former intelligence chief Barzan
Ibrahim.
The trial began a year ago with the eight defendants facing charges arising
from the deaths of 148 Shiites from the town of Dujail following a 1982
assassination attempt against Saddam in the town north of Baghdad.
That trial adjourned July 27 to allow its five-judge panel to consider a
verdict. The court was to have reconvened Monday to hear a verdict.
"There will be no hearing tomorrow," al-Moussawi said. "Instead, there will
be a court statement setting the date for the hearing in which sentences will be
rendered."
When pressed to give a precise date, he said: "In no longer than three
weeks."
Saddam is the chief defendant in another trial, facing genocide charges in
connection with a government crackdown in the 1980s against Iraqi Kurds. The
prosecution alleges some 180,000 people died in that campaign.
Saddam, his cousin "Chemical" Ali al-Majid and five other co-defendants could
face death by hanging if convicted.
Hearings in the second trial will resume Tuesday.
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