World opinion divided on Saddam sentence

[Jcrowley]

World opinion divided on Saddam sentence
By WILLIAM J. KOLE, Associated Press Writer 24 minutes ago

Saddam Hussein's death sentence was celebrated by some on Sunday as justice deserved or even divine, but denounced by others as a political ploy two days before critical U.S. midterm congressional elections.

Worldwide, the range of reactions — including a European outcry over capital punishment and doubts about the fairness of the tribunal that ordered Saddam to hang — reflected new geopolitical fault lines drawn after America's decision to invade Iraq in 2003 and depose its dictator.

The European Union welcomed the verdict but said Saddam should not be put to death. At the Vatican, Cardinal Renato Martino, Pope Benedict XVI's top prelate for justice issues, called the sentence a throwback to "eye for an eye" vengeance.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061106/ap_on_re_mi_ea/saddam_verdict_world_view

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1. KICK

[Jcrowley]

2. Even Tony Bliar opposes the punishment

PM opposed to Saddam death penalty

Press Association
Monday November 6, 2006 5:28 PM

Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he was opposed to the death penalty in the case of Saddam Hussein.

But he said that decisions on whether the former dictator should be executed for his crimes were for the Iraqi courts to make.

Speaking at his regular monthly press conference at 10 Downing Street, Mr Blair repeatedly attempted to bat away the question of whether he wants to see Saddam hanged.

But he finally told reporters: "We are against the death penalty, whether it's Saddam or anybody else.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6195520,00.html