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An Iraqi official yesterday denied claims that Saddam Hussein could be hanged as early as Saturday while lawyers for the fallen tyrant said he was preparing for his execution.

 

As speculation swirled about the timing of the execution, Iraq's Justice Ministry denied a defense lawyer’s comment that it had taken custody of Saddam from the US military.

 

"It's none of the Americans' business to decide when," a senior Justice Ministry official said, dismissing a suggestion from a senior US official that Saddam could hang as early as Saturday.

 

He also said no execution would occur before January 26, 30 days after the sentence was upheld. It seems the cabinet is torn over the timing and whether it requires a death warrant signed by the president.

 

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, in his first comments on the issue, said yesterday there could be no going back on the sentence passed last month and "no delay" in carrying it out.

 

An aide confirmed the content of the remarks, reported by state television, and said he made them to relatives of victims of Saddam's oppression.

 

Those opposing the hanging were insulting those who had suffered, the newsflash quoted Maliki as saying, adding that no one could reverse the sentence. Several officials this week have highlighted that, unlike in other capital crimes, the president does not have the authority to pardon those convicted of crimes against humanity.

 

Maliki, from the Shi'ite Muslim majority oppressed under Saddam, said last month he wanted Saddam hanged this year for the killings, torture and other crimes against the Shi'ite population of the town of Dujail in the 1980s.

 

However, some members of Saddam's Sunni minority say an execution may increase alienation among their rebellious community. Some Kurds have also stated they would like to see Saddam convicted of genocide in the Kurdish north. That second trial is due to resume on January 8.

 

Khalil al-Dulaimi, who led Saddam's defense team until he was sentenced on November 5, said: "The Americans called me and asked me to pick up the personal effects."

 

An appeals court on Tuesday upheld Saddam's death sentence for crimes against humanity and ruled him to hang within 30 days.

 

One defense lawyer, declining to be identified, said Saddam had been handed over by US forces to Iraqi Government custody. Deputy Justice Minister Bosho Ibrahim said: "This is not true. He is still with the Americans."

 

(China Daily December 30, 2006)