Saddam’s execution and sectarian shouts embarrass America

WikiLeaks published a document shows details about a meeting between former US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad and Attorney General at Iraqi Higher Penal Court Munkid Al Faraoun.

The document which goes back to 2007 shows that Khalilzad asked for explanations about what happened during the execution of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Al Faraoun told him about Saddam’s last moments, saying the executers had a fatwa to authorize the execution.

Al Faraoun also told Khalilzad that he saw at least two officials taking photos of the execution with their mobile phones.

He added that he asked people who were present there to keep silent. Religious men had told him that the execution could be carried out.

Al Faraoun said he went to the execution place with 14 officials including national security advisor Moufek Rabai on a helicopter. They had been searched by US soldiers who took their mobile phones. US elements did not enter the execution room.

Al Faraoun said a person shouted “Muktada Muktada” while Saddam was saying his last words before his execution. 

Saddam’s execution raised many protests after a record tape had been posted showing the operation.