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Saddam may Be Executed After First Trial

HeadlineAug 12, 2005

Now back to news out of Iraq. An Iraqi official told reporters in Baghdad that Saddam Hussein could be executed after his first trial if he is convicted and sentenced to death for his alleged role in a 1982 Shiite massacre. The unnamed official said the first trial is expected to begin by the falll. He briefed reporters on condition that his name would not be used for reasons of security and the sensitivity of the case. Meanwhile, Saddam’s daughter has threatened that the ousted leader’s defense lawyer could boycott the trial — and preliminary questioning — unless the defense gets better access to Saddam. The defense has consistently alleged that it has only been allowed to meet Saddam with U.S. or Iraqi military officials watching.

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