Saddam's execution: what will happen?

[ballz2wallz]

So Sunday Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death by hanging; something we all believe he deserves, I'm sure. But will everyone agree with it? I'm not surprised he will try to appeal his death sentence. But will anyone in the West begin to argue for him? Will the left begin to defend him, and ask that he stay alive?

It seems the NYT already has begun...

The New York Times called for the deferment of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein's execution, saying Iraq had not received "full justice."
The newspaper, which is opposed to the death penalty, said Iraq not only needed to hold Saddam fully accountable for his atrocities but also to heal and educate the nation he "ruthlessly divided."

Full justice? The NYT knows what 'justice' the Iraqi people deserve or want?

at their calls to 'educate' and 'heal' him.

[DosEquis]

I heard sunni villages were in crazy protests and they have imposed a 24 hour curfew now. They were speculating his appeal process would last 4-6 months and his actual execution would probably take place in spring of 2007.

[ethyl]

Just about everyone opposed to the death penalty is going to condemn the ruling eg. The EU. I'm sure they would protest even if Hitler were given a death sentence.
Didn't the vatican condemn the ruling too? At least the Brits acknowledged the ruling should be respected.

[ballz2wallz]

Originally Posted by DosEquis

I heard sunni villages were in crazy protests and they have imposed a 24 hour curfew now. They were speculating his appeal process would last 4-6 months and his actual execution would probably take place in spring of 2007.

They had curfews before the sentencing even took place. From what I've seen, there were a lot more praises than protests.

[ethyl]

Originally Posted by DosEquis

I heard sunni villages were in crazy protests and they have imposed a 24 hour curfew now. They were speculating his appeal process would last 4-6 months and his actual execution would probably take place in spring of 2007.

That's a sharp difference in their developing justice system compared to other countries in the region... where a rapist gets convicted in a day, stuffed in a bag and thrown over a cliff.

[Kytro]

There are always some going to be some people who oppose the penalty.

Some because they don't want him punished, and others like em who oppose the concept of death penalty linked to severity of a crime.

While Tony Blair has defended UK involvement in the war at all times, even he is opposed to the penalty.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he is against the death penalty "whether it's Saddam (Hussein) or anybody else."

Blair against death penalty for 'Saddam or anybody else'. 07/11/2006. ABC News Online

[ballz2wallz]

I think my question is more pointed to differentiating between those that don't want him punished at all, as opposed to questioning the death penalty. I believe there will actually be people who sympathize for Saddam.

[Ardentfrost]

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

I think my question is more pointed to differentiating between those that don't want him punished at all, as opposed to questioning the death penalty. I believe there will actually be people who sympathize for Saddam.

No doubt. That will always happen, as long as there's free will (that's still around, right?)

How widespread will it be is perhaps a viable question... but of course it'll SEEM more widespread than it will be since it'll doubtlessly get a good deal of media coverage.

[DosEquis]

Originally Posted by ethyl

That's a sharp difference in their developing justice system compared to other countries in the region... where a rapist gets convicted in a day, stuffed in a bag and thrown over a cliff.

Oh i agree that it is actually more reasonable to be able to appeal something like the death penalty and have it done 4-6 months later. It is when we have the process drawn out for 15 years like we do here that is equally ridiculous on the other side of the spectrum.

[Kytro]

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

I think my question is more pointed to differentiating between those that don't want him punished at all, as opposed to questioning the death penalty. I believe there will actually be people who sympathize for Saddam.

There probably are, but most of those in the US who oppose punishment will be they oppose the US presence / invasion in Iraq, and it's outcomes rather than really being in opposition to Saddam being punished.

[garbagemanlb]

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

So Sunday Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death by hanging; something we all believe he deserves, I'm sure. But will everyone agree with it? I'm not surprised he will try to appeal his death sentence. But will anyone in the West begin to argue for him? Will the left begin to defend him, and ask that he stay alive?

It seems the NYT already has begun...

Full justice? The NYT knows what 'justice' the Iraqi people deserve or want?

at their calls to 'educate' and 'heal' him.

Where did they call to heal and educate Saddam? From the quote you have, it concerned healing and educating the nation....

The NYT is against the death penalty, which many people, myself included, are as well. That is a legitimate point to make.

And it doesn't help that he was tried in a manner/court where he was guilty before he even stepped into the room. Of course he is guilty, but the legal system used to try him was deeply wanting.

[KatKanPlay]

Originally Posted by Kytro

There probably are, but most of those in the US who oppose punishment will be they oppose the US presence / invasion in Iraq, and it's outcomes rather than really being in opposition to Saddam being punished.

I think you are absolutely right.

I strongly oppose the US presence/invasion in Iraq. This particular outcome rings false in some sense and I find it hard to feel the least bit victorious. Granted the world doesnt need dictator's like Hussein, he is a horrible human being, but the basic fundamental reasons for taking him down were lies and exaggerations. That takes the spark out of this whole victorious moment I am supposed to be having. I feel like I just cheated in a game and won.....flat.

[sj23]

He will appeal and the process will last until early November in '08.

[KatKanPlay]

Originally Posted by garbagemanlb

Where did they call to heal and educate Saddam? From the quote you have, it concerned healing and educating the nation....

The NYT is against the death penalty, which many people, myself included, are as well. That is a legitimate point to make.

And it doesn't help that he was tried in a manner/court where he was guilty before he even stepped into the room. Of course he is guilty, but the legal system used to try him was deeply wanting.

How could the system have been nothing more than just a trial and error session for Iraqi justice? How many actual cases have been tried under the new government? I cant believe they chose the mother load of cases to try before they even had a good justice system in place. I dont know, either we as a nation believe liberty and justice for all, or we dont.

[SpicyMcVoodoo]

He's not "trying" to appeal his death sentence. Appeal is automatic for death sentences under Iraqi law, like it is in a lot of US states. It's a matter of ensuring due process (or at least appearing to).

[kinggovernor]

Originally Posted by sj23

He will appeal and the process will last until early November in '08.

[Donkey®]

Anyone outside and inside of Iraq will be like "ok, now what?"

[Diamond Cross]

I predict liberals will try to stop it if he decides to write a children's book.

[WickedLou9]

I think we should just lock him in a cage in the Bronx zoo, make him an exibit and let kids throw gum and used candy wrappers at him. "mommy ! Look! It's the rare and elusive deposed dictator!" Can I feed him mommy please can I?

[Kytro]

The funny thing is nothing will change if he is executed - it is almost like a non-event. More of statement than anything else.