World divided over Saddam death penalty

The Iraqi dictator’s death sentence has divided opinion the world over. The majority of countries in the EU have reiterated their opposition to the death penalty but acknowledged that justice must be seen to be done. German Chancellor Angela Merkel: “It’s important that Saddam was put through a trial, “ she said, “It’s clear that the European Union is against the death penalty as a matter of principle.”

Speaking a day before crucial US mid-term elections, President George W Bush welcomed the verdict as a “milestone in the effort to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law,”:

“Saddam Hussein will have an automatic right to appeal his sentence, he will continue to receive the due process and legal rights that he denied to the Iraqi people. Iraq has a lot of work ahead as it builds its society, that delivers equal justice and protects all its citizens.” he said at a press conference.

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