(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Many adults in the United States think Saddam Hussein should face the death penalty, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 56 per cent of respondents believe the deposed Iraqi leader should be executed if convicted, while 35 per cent favour life in prison.
(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Many adults in the United States think Saddam Hussein should face the death penalty, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 56 per cent of respondents believe the deposed Iraqi leader should be executed if convicted, while 35 per cent favour life in prison.
The U.S.-led coalition effort against Hussein’s regime was launched in March 2003. At least 1,974 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 14,300 troops have been injured.
Hussein was captured by coalition soldiers in Adwar—near his hometown of Tikrit—in December 2003. In July 2004, the deposed Iraqi leader made his first court appearance to respond to seven war crimes charges, which include the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Hussein said the tribunal amounted to “a theatre.”
Following Hussein’s capture, U.S. president George W. Bush suggested the deposed leader should face the “ultimate penalty” if convicted of war crimes. United Nations (UN) secretary-general Kofi Annan said the world organization “does not support the death penalty.”
On Jul. 17, the tribunal officially introduced specific charges against Hussein and three other men. The deposed leader is accused of assassinating Shiite men and expelling women and children from the northeastern Iraqi town of Dujail in 1982. The actions were regarded as retaliation for an attempt on Hussein’s life organized by members of the Dawa Party. If convicted, the four men could be executed.
Hussein’s trial is set to start tomorrow. Human Rights Watch international justice program director Richard Dicker criticized the situation, saying, “We have grave concerns that the court will not provide the fair trial guarantees required by international law. The proceedings must be fair and be seen to be fair, and that means ensuring that the accused can vigorously defend themselves.” 82 per cent of respondents believe Hussein will be found guilty.
Polling Data
Former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein is scheduled to stand trial this month before a Special Iraqi Tribunal. Saddam is being tried for ordering a massacre of 143 people in a town north of Baghdad in 1982. Do you think Saddam will be found guilty?
Yes | 82% |
No | 9% |
Don’t know | 9% |
If convicted, what do you think should happen to Saddam?
Death penalty | 56% |
Life in prison | 35% |
Don’t know | 10% |
Source: Opinion Dynamics / Fox News
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 900 registered American voters, conducted on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12, 2005. Margin of error is 4 per cent.
