[Deathpenalty] death penalty news-----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Jan. 4



IRAQ:

Bush Wishes Saddam Execution Was More Dignified


U.S. President George Bush says he wishes Saddam Hussein's execution had
been more dignified. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports,
Mr. Bush discussed the controversy surrounding that hanging with Iraqi
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

In nearly 2 hours of talks on a secure video link, President Bush and
Prime Minister Maliki discussed the execution, where some of those in
attendance mocked Saddam on the gallows and filmed his death with a
cell-phone camera.

Iraqi officials say they are questioning at least 2 guards suspected of
involvement.

Mr. Bush says he wishes the proceedings had been more dignified, but he
says Saddam did received a fair trial, something the president says the
former Iraqi leader denied his opponents.

"We expect there to be a full investigation of what took place," said
President Bush. "The Iraqi people want to move forward. They want to
forget that terrible part of their past, and they want to live in peace,
and it is in our nation's interest to help them do so."

(source: Voice of America News)