Region | Iraq

'Saddam's execution quick'

Former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussain has been hanged for crimes against humanity. A witness reveals details of the execution.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 00:00 December 30, 2006
  • Gulf News

  • Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussain was executed in the early hours of Saturday.
  • Image Credit: Al Iraqiya
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Baghdad: Saddam Hussain was led shackled into a hall early on Saturday in Baghdad, a noose was placed around his neck and a guard pulled a lever that swiftly ended his life.

Shiite politician Sami Al Askari witnessed the execution, which he said lasted 25 minutes, but was over quickly as soon as Saddam dropped through the trap door.

"One of the guards pulled a lever and he dropped half a meter into a trap door. We heard his neck snap instantly and we even saw a small amount of blood around the rope," Askari said.

"They left him hanging for around 10 minutes before a doctor confirmed his death and they untied him and placed him in a white body bag," he added.

Shiite-run channel Biladi showed footage of a dead Saddam in a white shroud, his neck twisted at an awkward angle and what appeared to be a bruise on his left cheek.

Earlier, state-funded television channel Iraqiya showed footage of the execution but stopped short of broadcasting the actual hanging.

The footage showed a group of men wearing black ski masks and putting a noose around his neck.

Another official witness confirmed Saddam died instantly, saying that “he seemed very calm. He did not tremble."

The 69-year-old Saddam was executed in the early morning of Saturday at an Iraqi army base in Kadhimiya. He was given the death sentence for the Dujail massacre in 1982.

Some 15 people were reportedly present during Saddam's execution, including government ministers, members of parliament, relatives of victims and representatives from the Justice Ministry.

Shiite official Askari said that those present remained silent during the execution, but congratulated each other after Saddam was confirmed dead.

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