[Deathpenalty]death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

March 31



IRAQ:

Iraq judge: Saddam to get death sentence


An Iraqi judge on the court that will try Saddam Hussein said the former
Iraqi dictator committed many crimes and likely will be sentenced to
death.

The judge, who requested anonymity, was quoted Thursday in the Saudi daily
al-Madina as saying the former dictator's interrogation is complete and
more than 40 homicide charges will be filed.

He said the charges include killing political rivals and dissidents in the
Baath party with his own hands, and committing genocide and other crimes
against the Kurds in northern Iraq and against Shiites in south and
central Iraq.

"There also are some 300 charges on wasting national wealth, corruption,
occupation, organizing terrorist action against Iraq's neighbors and
bribing officials and diplomats implementing U.N. resolutions in Iraq.

He said Saddam bears direct responsibility for the killing of 91,000
Iraqis, including 6,000 Kurds, and likely will be sentenced to death if
convicted.

(source: United Press International)