Saddam Hussein, former dictator of Iraq, has been hanged for his role in committing crimes against humanity.
The execution was filmed as proof of Saddam’s death, and edited parts of the footage has been released to Iraqi television.
In stills from the video, the former president's face was uncovered, he appeared calm and said a brief prayer as Iraqi policemen walked him to the gallows and put the noose round him, the witness said.
US President George W. Bush, who branded Saddam a tyrant and a threat to global security even though alleged nuclear and other weapons were not found after America's 2003 invasion, hailed the execution as a "milestone" on Iraq's path to democracy.
However, even as news of the hanging broke, the deaths of four troops pushed the American death toll in Iraq to three short of the emotive 3000 mark.
Mr Bush already faces mounting public dismay at the war as Iraq slides toward all-out civil war between Saddam's fellow Sunnis and majority Shiites.
Yesterdays execution came at dawn for Iraqis on one of the holiest dates of the Muslim year.
As the call to prayer echoed out from minarets across a dark and bitterly cold Baghdad, officially-backed television channels flashed the news.
The senior official who witnessed the hanging, said: "He seemed very calm. He did not tremble."
Saddam, 69, was bound and shackled, but his face was uncovered as he met his death.
Source
The execution was filmed as proof of Saddam’s death, and edited parts of the footage has been released to Iraqi television.
In stills from the video, the former president's face was uncovered, he appeared calm and said a brief prayer as Iraqi policemen walked him to the gallows and put the noose round him, the witness said.
US President George W. Bush, who branded Saddam a tyrant and a threat to global security even though alleged nuclear and other weapons were not found after America's 2003 invasion, hailed the execution as a "milestone" on Iraq's path to democracy.
However, even as news of the hanging broke, the deaths of four troops pushed the American death toll in Iraq to three short of the emotive 3000 mark.
Mr Bush already faces mounting public dismay at the war as Iraq slides toward all-out civil war between Saddam's fellow Sunnis and majority Shiites.
Yesterdays execution came at dawn for Iraqis on one of the holiest dates of the Muslim year.
As the call to prayer echoed out from minarets across a dark and bitterly cold Baghdad, officially-backed television channels flashed the news.
The senior official who witnessed the hanging, said: "He seemed very calm. He did not tremble."
Saddam, 69, was bound and shackled, but his face was uncovered as he met his death.
Source
