- Many adults in Germany are content with the conclusion of Saddam Hussein's trial, according to a poll by Forsa released by Stern and RTL. 59 per cent of respondents agree with the verdict.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,864 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 21,600 troops have been wounded in action.

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 included the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Hussein said the tribunal amounted to "a theatre."

In July 2005, the tribunal officially introduced specific charges against Hussein. The deposed leader was 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.

On Nov. 5, Hussein was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging. German chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the situation, saying, "The verdict is a sound decision, but the European Union has a scepticism and a rejection in principle of the death penalty."

In late 2002, the German government—headed at the time by Gerhard Schroeder—decided not to back an eventual military operation in Iraq.

Polling Data

Do you agree or disagree with the verdict in Saddam Hussein's trial?

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