New York: An independent United Nations human rights expert has cast doubts on the legitimacy and credibility of the tribunal which sentenced ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to death and asked authorities not to carry out the judgement.
Leandro Despouy, special rapporteur on independence of judges and lawyers also expressed concern about the consequences of the judgement, saying in a statement that it will "contribute to deepening the armed violence and religious and political polarisation in Iraq".
Despouy urged the Iraqi authorities not to carry out the death sentence, saying this would represent a "serious legal setback for the country" while standing in open contradiction to the growing international tendency to abolish capital punishment.
In a separate statement, the top UN human rights official called on the Iraqi authorities to observe a moratorium on executions and demanded that Baghdad fully respect the right of appeal of Hussein and other defendants sentenced to death.
"A credible appeals process is an essential part of fair trial guarantees," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour said. "This is particularly important in this instance, in which the death penalty has been imposed."
"I hope the Government will observe a moratorium on executions," Arobur added.
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan did not issue a separate statement but his spokesman said Annan fully associated with what Arbour said.
Comments
0 comment