Region | Iraq
Iraqis react to Saddam verdict
Many Iraqis said they would welcome a swift execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussain on Wednesday, whilst others expressed fears that his death would lead to an explosion of further sectarian violence.
- Agencies
- Published: 00:00 December 27, 2006
Baghdad: Many Iraqis said they would welcome a swift execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussain on Wednesday, whilst others expressed fears that his death would lead to an explosion of further sectarian violence.
Saddam's appeal against his sentence for crimes against humanity was overruled by an Iraqi court on Tuesday. The court ruled that he hang within 30 days. The verdict comes amid raging violence between Saddam's fellow Sunni Arabs and majority Shiites.
Baghdad resident, Mohammed Nasir said, "This is a just sentence because Saddam oppressed the Iraqi people but I think it came at the wrong time because we're living through a cycle of violence."
Central Baghdad shopkeeper Edward Iskander agreed.
"I just hope they let him die naturally because if we execute him, his followers will unleash mayhem," he said.
Some Iraqis fear Saddam's Sunni followers will produce a bloody backlash if he is executed. But others say his death will end their hopes and their fight.
Twenty-one-year-old mathematics university student, Akram Salman said, "I think his death will end violence from Sunnis and they'll be forced to negotiate for reconciliation. We desperately need to turn this page in history."
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