Fed: Saddam had proper trial, says Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2006
Fed: Saddam had proper trial, says Howard

By Kate Corbett

CANBERRA, Dec 30 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard says a fair and proper trial was
given to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, but Labor says he should not have been
executed.

Saddam was hanged in Baghdad today, four days after an Iraqi court upheld the death
sentence handed down subsequent to his conviction for the killing of 148 people in the
Shi'ite village of Dujail in 1982 after an attempt to assassinate him.

"The real significance is that this man has been given a proper trial, due process
was followed," Mr Howard said.

"There was an appeal that was dismissed and he has been dealt with in accordance with
the law of Iraq."

Mr Howard said the successful process showed Iraqis wanted to move on and resolve the
deadly sectarian unrest.

"I believe there is something quite heroic about a country that is going through the
pain and the suffering that Iraq is going through, yet still extends due process to somebody
who was a tyrant and brutal suppressor and murderer of his people.

"That is the mark of a country that is trying against fearful odds to embrace democracy
and it is a country that deserves sympathy and support and not to be abandoned," he said.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Australia would keep supporting the people of Iraq.

"The Australian government, together with our coalition allies, will continue to support
the struggle of the vast majority of Iraq's people to preserve and build upon the progress
which has been achieved," he said in a statement.

Mr Downer agreed that Saddam was given a fair trial and said the Iraqi government was
aware of Australia's opposition to capital punishment.

"No matter what one might think about the death penalty ... we must also respect the
right of sovereign states to pass judgment relating to crimes committed against their
people, within their jurisdictions," he said.

However, Labor leader Kevin Rudd said even though the former dictator had committed
mass murder, he did not deserve to be sentenced to death.

"Labor has a universal position of opposition to the death penalty both at home and
abroad," Mr Rudd said in a statement.

"It is not possible in our view to be selective in the application of this policy."

The Labor leader doubts Saddam's death will have any impact on the continuing unrest in Iraq.

"Labor questions whether the execution of Saddam Hussein will in any way reduce sectarian
and political violence in Iraq, which has already brought that country to the brink of
civil war."

Labor's foreign affairs spokesman Robert McClelland agreed.

"We are doubtful that his execution will contribute to the resolution of sectarian
violence plaguing Iraq," he told AAP.

AAP kc/apm/de

KEYWORD: IRAQ SADDAM AUST NIGHTLEAD

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