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| Iraq | |
| Saddam execution video is 'deplorable', says Prescott | |
| 2007-01-02 | |
| John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, has described the manner of Saddam HusseinÂ’s execution as "deplorable" and denounced leaked recordings of his final moments as "totally unacceptable". Mr Prescott's comments were the first by a British minister since the release of mobile phone footage of the former Iraqi dictator being Asked about the execution on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Prescott said: "I think the manner was quite deplorable really. I donÂ’t think one can endorse in any way that, whatever your views about capital punishment. Frankly, to get the kind of recorded messages coming out is totally unacceptable and I think whoever is involved and responsible for it should be ashamed of themselves." He refused to elaborate on whether the responsibility lay with the Iraqi Government, saying: "If they are responsible, I pass my comment and thatÂ’s where I stand. I am just making the point that, in fact, those circumstances of the hanging of Saddam... without doubt, to have those kinds of comments is unacceptable and whoever is responsible should be condemned for it." Asked whether the British Government had conveyed the sentiment to the authorities in Baghdad, Mr Prescott said: "I think we have made it clear what the GovernmentÂ’s position is on the death penalty and that has been communicated as Margaret Beckett has said." It is not known who filmed the amateur footage or whether its release was officially sanctioned. The Iraqi government has launched an investigation into the matter, describing the chanting and calling of slogans as "inappropriate". There are concerns that the images, which have caused outcry in the Arab world, will trigger further violence in Iraq.
Tony Blair has been criticised by some of his own Downing Street insisted that Ms Beckett, the Foreign Secretary, spoke on behalf of the whole Government in saying that Saddam had been "held to account", but adding: "We do not support the use of the death penalty ... we advocate an end to the death penalty worldwide, regardless of the individual or the crime." | |
| Posted by:Free Radical |
| #3 What a bunch of nancy's. These MPs were prolly posting their disgust w/the RS site as well. God! Why do you put so many complete idiots on the planet at the same time!? I know, it's free will and all, but could ya at least give them a bad case of boils on the arse or something? |
| Posted by: Broadhead6 2007-01-02 22:04 |
| #2 Deplore away, Mr. Stripey-pants. |
| Posted by: mojo 2007-01-02 13:44 |
| #1 They also don't advocate the right of people anywhere to manage their own affairs. Pompous, pontificating shitbags. |
| Posted by: bigjim-ky 2007-01-02 12:11 |