Saddam could face execution

2003-12-15 17:15

Paris - Captured former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein could face the death penalty if convicted in an Iraqi court, the president of the US-installed interim Governing Council Abdel Aziz al-Hakim said on Monday.

Asked during a visit to Paris whether the death penalty could be considered at Saddam's trial following his capture by US troops, he said: "Yes. Absolutely."

An Iraqi government to be formed by the end of June will be free to re-establish the death penalty for any trial.

Iraq's interim leaders want Saddam Hussein to be tried by a special tribunal set up last week to hear cases against members of his regime.

Earlier, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, when asked if the UK would accept the death penalty for Saddam as appropriate punishment, seemed to suggest that it would prefer that he not face execution.

Straw said that if Saddam stands trial in Iraq, the proceedings must be "both fair and seen to be fair".

- AFP