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Special Report: Execution of Saddam Hussein
Chronology: Saddam Hussein's trials
Profile: Former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein
Video: TV footage shows execution of Saddam Hussein
World leaders respond to Saddam's death
World reactions to execution of Saddam

BAGHDAD, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi government ordered an inquiry about an unofficial footage of the execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, an official close to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Tuesday.

We have launched an investigation into who secretly filmed the execution, obviously filmed with a mobile phone, and distributed it, the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. The two-and-a-half minute film was first broadcast by the pan-Arab al-Jazeera TV channel on Sunday and widely circulated on the Internet.

In the film, Saddam was seen taunted by Shiite witnesses at the very last moments of his life, including one who shouted the name of a radical Shiite cleric --"Muqtada, Muqtada, Muqtada. "Saddam was also seen sneeringly smiled at those taunting him from below the gallows and responded, "is that the manhood you have." Then he began reciting the Shahada, a Muslim prayer in the footage.

Saddam's hanging sparked anger in Iraq's Sunni provinces and many mourners arrived in Tikrit and Awja town from Anbar, Diyalaand Mosul. Thousands had poured into Saddam's hometown of Tikrit since Tuesday morning.

Analysts said the Sunni Arab used the footage to prove that Shiite militia, namely Mehdi Army, have infiltrated the security forces.

On the other hand, the Shiite would say the footage did not show much ill treatment for Saddam as he did worse for them during his era, analysts said.

BAGHDAD, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein was buried early Sunday in his native village of Uwja, near Tikrit in northern Iraq, after he was executed Saturday, CNN reported.

Saddam to be buried in Ramadi instead of native village

BAGHDAD, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The ousted Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, who was executed by hanging at dawn Saturday, will be buried in Ramadi, an insurgent stronghold, instead of native village of Uwja, Sky News English TV channel reported Saturday night.

Saddam's body was shown on TV

A frame grab from Biladi shows former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein's body after his execution in Baghdad Dec. 30, 2006. Hussein was hanged for crimes against humanity at dawn on Saturday, a dramatic, violent end for a leader who ruled Iraq by fear for three decades before he was toppled by a U.S. invasion four years ago.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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BAGHDAD, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The body in a white shroud of former Iraqi president of Saddam Hussein was shown on Saturday on al-Jazeera English TV channel.

The channel showed Saddam lying with his neck twisted to one side at an awkward angle, with what appeared to be blood or a bruise on his left cheek.