 |
|
Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein yells at the
court as he receives his verdict during his trial held under tight
security in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone November 5, 2006.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery
>>> |
BAGHDAD, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Toppled former
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein got expected death sentence on Sunday,
arousing protests among Sunnis and celebrations among Shiites.
The apparent different reactions from the two divided
sectors seem to testify to fears that the verdict can hardly bring peace to
the war-torn country, but more chaos.
A POLITICAL VERDICT?
Local observers pointed out it is not a simple coincidence
that the verdict came two days before U.S. congressional elections.
As Iraqi situation is deteriorating and spiraling out of
control, U.S. President George W. Bush's Republicans are at risk of losing
control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
 |
|
Iraqi police are patrolling on the street in
Baghdad on Monday.(Xinhua Photo)
Photo Gallery
>>> |
In October, the U.S. military witnessed the bloodiest
month this year, losing 105 soldiers, which prompted embattled Bush to consider
readjusting policy towards Iraq.
For the Bush administration, the verdict is
definitely a "rare good news" from Iraq, which is plagued by rampant tit-for-tat
attacks between Shiites and Sunnis, insurgent violence against U.S.troops.
"The ball is in the Americans' field," said Ali
Mahmoud, a 55-year-old lawyer, adding the United States wanted to show they made
great progress in defeating Saddam and brought democracy to the Iraqi people.
This viewpoint is echoed by a former soldier under
Saddam regime, Ghassan Ibrahim, who denounced the verdict as "a political one."
 |
|
Iraqi police are patrolling on the street in
Baghdad on Monday.(Xinhua/AFP Photo)
Photo Gallery
>>> |
SPASM OF VIOLENCE FEARED
The verdict also unleashed the fear of a spasm of
violence targeting U.S. military, the Iraqi authorities and rival sectors, which
will make the country more divided and closer to a civil war.
Many Sunnis believed that the U.S. government manipulated
the trial of their former leader for political benefits and the verdict was
unjust.
Though Saddam has been in jail for nearly three
years, he is still imposing some effect on Iraqi situation, because many Sunni
militants are former soldiers or intelligence officers during the ruling of
Saddam.
The Iraqi government has taken severe security
measures in a bid to avoid possible violence. The capital is still under a
curfew, which began from 6 a.m. Sunday. So far, no one knows when the curfew
will be lifted and what will follow.
LAW OBSTACLES AHEAD
Local media reported that taking some law obstacles and
current volatile situation in Iraq into account, Saddam may not face gallows
soon.
Under the current Iraqi law, both the prosecution and
the defendant may appeal errors of law and procedure as well as material errors
of fact within 30 days after the judgment or decision in question is issued.
Death penalty and life sentence automatically require review.
The review has no time limit but the death sentence,
if upheld,must be carried out within 30 days.
That is to say, the execution could last a long period of
time, probably months or years.
Furthermore, the Iraqi Presidency Council consisting of
president and vice presidents must ratify any death sentence.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has made clear that he
would not sign death warrants. It is unclear whether Iraq's vice presidents
would like to follow suit.
Related Stories>> [1] [2] [3] [4]
