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Lawyers: Saddam handed over to Iraq

Saddam Hussain has been handed over by US forces to Iraqi government custody, his lawyers say, in an apparent step towards his execution. The Justice Ministry, meanwhile, denies the handover.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 00:00 December 29, 2006
  • Gulf News

  • Saddam is being held at Camp Cropper, a US military prison close to Baghdad's airport.
  • Image Credit: EPA

Dubai: Saddam Hussain has been handed over by US forces to Iraqi government custody, his lawyers said on Friday, in an apparent step towards his execution.

"I understand they have handed him over," said one defence lawyer who declined to give his name.

However, Iraq's Justice Ministry denied that it had taken custody of Saddam from the US military.

"This is not true. He is still with the Americans," a senior Justice Ministry official said, adding that Saddam would not be executed before January 26.

Another lawyer said that US officials had asked him to pick up the personal effects of the former Iraqi president who has been sentenced to death.

"The American side called me and asked me to pick up the personal effects of the president and Barzan Al Tikriti," said Khalil Al Dulaimi, referring to Saddam's half brother, who has also been sentenced to death.

Saddam's lawyer, Al Dulaimi, had urged the United States not to hand over Saddam to Iraqi authorities before his expected execution because he is a "war prisoner."

He warned that it would also increase sectarian violence in the country.

Saddam has been held at Camp Cropper, an American military prison close to Baghdad's airport.

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