Iraq: Saddam Hussein Execution was Moved Forward Because of Gaddafi Rescue Plans, Judge Says

Saddam Hussein's execution on December 30, 2006

The execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was accelerated due to the belief that the then Libyan leader, Muammar El-Gaddafi, had a plan to rescue him from prison, Judge Mounir Haddad revealed today.

Hadad, who presided over the trial of Hussein, revealed to the Al-Arabiya Satellite Channel Point of Order program new details of the trial against the former president and his last moments before being hanged, including the 'health and welfare' votes for the magistrate himself .

According to his testimony, the application of the death penalty to Saddam Hussein was precipitated because authorities knew that El-Gaddafi - later murdered in 2011 - was allegedly trying to bribe US guards who guarded him to rescue him from prison.

He added that, contrary to previous reports from the local and US press, former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani gave his 'implicit approval' for Hussein's execution, and that during the hearing to hear the verdict he was distinguished by 'his calm and composure' .

The judge said that he personally received the last will from Saddam Hussein because no Sunni cleric was present when he was executed, and when asked about his final wish, the condemned man responded by wishing him 'health and well-being.'

Al-Arabiya will broadcast more details of the last days of the ex-leader of the Iraqi Baath party in the episode that will be broadcast on April 14, the channel announced when reproducing the opinion of the lawyer on the Muslim confession of the deposed ruler after the invasion and military occupation Of the United States.

Source: Prensa Latina, April 7, 2017

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