Security has been increased dramatically in Iraq ahead of an expected verdict Sunday in Saddam Hussein's trial for crimes against humanity.
There are extra checkpoints, more foot patrols and leave has been cancelled for Iraqi troops. State television said there would be a 24-hour curfew imposed in Baghdad and three surrounding provinces. In addition, Baghdad's airport will be closed.
Checkpoints have been added in Iraq in anticipation of a verdict Sunday in Saddam Hussein's trial for crimes against humanity.
(CBC)
The former dictator and seven co-defendants are accused of ordering and carrying out a crackdown in the town of Dujail in 1982 following an attempt to assassinate Saddam. Hundreds of people were arrested and tortured, including women and children, and 148 were sentenced to death and executed.
Saddam has been on trial since October 2005. If convicted, the ousted Iraqi president and three of his co-defendants could be sentenced to hang. Prosecutors have called for the death penalty, a move publicly supported by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
"We hope that the verdict will give this man what he deserves for the crimes he committed against the Iraqi people," al-Maliki said on Friday.
Saddam Hussein gestures during the first day of his second trial on Aug. 21, 2006.
(Associated Press)
However, Saddam could face several other trials and appeals before any death penalty sentence is carried out. A second trial against Saddam began in August for alleged genocide against Kurds in northern Iraq in 1988.
Security forces fear a verdict against the deposed dictator on Sunday by the Iraqi High Tribunal, made up of five judges, could further inflame sectarian violence.
"All military personnel are on alert. Leave has been cancelled and we are on alert for any possible emergency. Those on leave should report to their units," Iraqi Defence Ministry spokesman Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Shaker told reporters in Baghdad.
The trial has become a symbol of Iraq’s divisions between the long-oppressed Shia majority, who now rule the country, and the minority Sunnis who dominated government ranks before the U.S.-led invasion toppled the regime three years ago.
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