 Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein will go on trial on a charge of mass killings on Oct. 19, Iraqâs government spokesman confirmed yesterday, raising the possibility that he could soon be hanged. âThere is a date set for Oct. 19,â Laith Kubba told a news conference, adding that several of Saddamâs associates, including one of his half-brothers, would face trial with him. âThey will be tried for the execution of 143 citizens.â
Kubba was referring to reprisals for an assassination attempt on Saddam in the Shiite village of Dujail in 1982, after which over 140 men from the village were killed. Iraqâs Shiite-led government has reintroduced the death penalty after it was suspended following the US invasion in March 2003. On Thursday, three convicted criminals were hanged, the first since the suspension was lifted. Saddam faces execution if found guilty. |