Monday, September 10, 2007
Talabani refuses to sign court ruling on hanging of former defense minister
Crime
(Azzaman) - President Jalal Talabani has said he would not sign a court ruling on the hanging of former defense minister Sultan Hashem. Hashem, along with senior aides of former leader Saddam Hussein have been sentenced to death by hanging but the ruling needs Talabani’s signature to be implemented. Talabani said he was determined to spare Hashem.
Political and tribal quarters in Iraq have rallied behind Talabani who has said that Hashem was in contact with the Iraqi opposition prior to the ouster of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Many in Iraq see Hashem as a hero and professional soldier with a large following among the former Iraqi army which the U.S. disbanded shortly after its invasion of Iraq.
Under Iraqi constitution, court rulings demanding the execution of convicts need a republican degree to be effective. But the Prime Minister says he is constitutionally authorized to issue such decrees and the government has practiced this ‘right’ several times in the past.
Political and tribal quarters in Iraq have rallied behind Talabani who has said that Hashem was in contact with the Iraqi opposition prior to the ouster of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Many in Iraq see Hashem as a hero and professional soldier with a large following among the former Iraqi army which the U.S. disbanded shortly after its invasion of Iraq.
Under Iraqi constitution, court rulings demanding the execution of convicts need a republican degree to be effective. But the Prime Minister says he is constitutionally authorized to issue such decrees and the government has practiced this ‘right’ several times in the past.
Labels: court ruling, Jalal Talabani, Sultan Hashem
