Iraq tightens security before Saddam verdict

Source: Xinhuanet | 11-05-2006 12:21

The Iraqi authorities will impose a curfew in the capital and two neighboring provinces and indefinitely close Baghdad international airport on Sunday, when the court will give a verdict in Saddam Hussein's first trial.

According to the official al-Iraqia TV on Saturday, Baghdad's international airport would remain closed from 6 a.m. Sunday (0300GMT) until further notice, as a security measure adopted before the Sunday verdict.

A curfew will also be imposed in the capital and two neighboring provinces Diyala and Salahuddin from 6 a.m. (0300 GMT)on Sunday. But it is unclear when the curfew will be lift.

A verdict in Saddam's first trial for crimes against humanity is expected to be given on Sunday by Iraqi High Tribunal.

Saddam and his seven co-accused have been charged with crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shiite villagers after a failed attempt assassination in the town of Dujail in 1982.

If convicted, the ousted president faces death by hanging, which is feared to worsen the violence that already kills dozens of Iraqis everyday.

Iraqi authorities have taken security measures to stem probable rampant violence following the sentence, including setting up extra checkpoints and reinforcing patrols in the capital.

However, violence continues to plague the capital. In southern Baghdad, Iraqi security forces killed 53 insurgents and detained 16 others in a fierce gunbattle on Saturday, al-Iraqia TV reported, adding 11 trucks loaded with heavy weapons were seized.

Many analysts anticipate that Saddam will be sentence to death on Sunday after the lengthy trial, which are marred by the replacement of presiding judge, assassinations of defense lawyers, the boycott of defence team.

However, the death sentence will probably enrage many Sunnis, who were dominated under Saddam, and see the tribunal as a show trial by new Shiite and Kurdish leadership to take revenge on the former leader.

On the other hand, Shiite and Kurds make clear they will not accept anything less than execution for Saddam, whose regime killed thousands of their beloved people.

"The U.S. and the Iraqi government are in a dilemma, whatever the verdict, violence is unavoidable," said Bushra Mahmoud, a resident in Baghdad.

Washington wants the verdict to be delivered days before the U.S. congressional elections, in a bid to show they make great progress in defeating Saddam and bring democracy to the Iraqi people, said Mahmoud.

Editor:Ge Ting