The half-brother of Saddam Hussein and the former head of Iraq’s Revolutionary Court were hanged before dawn today, two weeks and two days after the former dictator was executed in a disturbing scene that drew worldwide criticism.

Two of Saddam Hussein’s co-defendants were taken from their cells and told they were going to be hanged on the same day the former Iraqi dictator was executed, their lawyer said.

Saddam top aide wishes he had been executed with the deposed leader, an Iraqi lawyer said today.

Defence lawyers will attend next week’s trial of Saddam Hussein and former top members of his regime, dropping a threat to boycott the proceedings because of the killing of two counsel, a spokesman for the defence said today.

Israel has admitted its forces made a mistake in firing tank shells on shoppers violating a curfew in Jenin.