(Xinhua) -- The Iraqi authorities will impose a curfew in the capital and two neighboring provinces and indefinitely close Baghdad international airport on Sunday, when the court will give a verdict in Saddam Hussein's first trial. According to the official al-Iraqia TV on Saturday, Baghdad's international airport would remain closed from 6 a.m. Sunday (0300GMT) until further notice, as a security measure adopted before the Sunday verdict. A curfew will also be imposed in the capital and two neighboring provinces Diyala and Salahuddin from 6 a.m. (0300 GMT)on Sunday. But it is unclear when the curfew will be lift. A verdict in Saddam's first trial for crimes against humanity is expected to be given on Sunday by Iraqi High Tribunal. Saddam and his seven co-accused have been charged with crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shiite villagers after a failed attempt assassination in the town of Dujail in 1982. If convicted, the ousted president faces death by hanging, which is feared to worsen the violence that already kills dozens of Iraqis everyday.
Iraqi authorities have taken security measures to stem probable rampant violence following the sentence, including setting up extra checkpoints and reinforcing patrols in the capital.