As many of you would have read in the newspapers this week, Saddam Hussein, the former leader of Iraq for more than two decades, had his death sentence carried by hanging on the 30th December 2006.
The execution provoked a mixed response throughout the world, particularly in the Arab world, with Hezbolah renouncing the act and states such as Israel expressing their support.
I would personally like to express my delight that Saddam has finally received a just punishment for his crimes against humanity. Although execution and the death penalty is, perhaps, one of the ugliest aspects in any society, it is a long standing penalty for the most severe of crimes in many Islamic countries.
Saddam was a ruthless dictator who caused immense suffering to thousands of people. His crimes were so grave and numerous that no other sentence would be fitting. Perhaps he may have escaped execution, if he had shown remorse or had offered an apology to the families of those who he himself given the death penalty to.
As it stands I find it hard to argue for any lesser punishment, however, I am opposed to the way in which his sentence was carried out. I do not believe it was appropriate for his death to be filmed. Whether he was a dictator or not, no human should face be treated with such disrespect. In addition to this, the released footage has meant that the ending of his life has not put and end to his impact on the people of Iraq. His controversial statement will live on and continue to destabilise Iraq.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6243747.stm
8 January 2007
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1099005.stm
30 December 2006
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