Sudanese government condemns Saddam execution

Dec 30, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese government has condemned the execution of the death sentence against the former Iraqi president, Saddam Hussein, saying the court proceedings were not legitimate.

A statement issued by the foreign affairs ministry this evening said the former Iraqi president was not sentenced at the nation’s will or decision.

It said the haste in which the sentence was executed revealed that there were political interests behind it and not the delivery of justice.

Saddam Hussein, the former dictator of Iraq was hanged at dawn today in Baghdad for crimes against humanity committed during a 24-year reign of brutality that ended with the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Saddam’s execution was followed immediately by that of his half-brother Barzan Hall al-Tikriti, former head of intelligence, and his former chief judge, Awad al-Bandar.

Iran and Kuwait, both attacked by Saddam Hussein, welcomed his execution today, while Libya mourned his death, and the Arab leaders of Egypt, Syria remained mum on the hanging of the former Iraqi president.

(ST)