5,000 Shi’ites rally in Baghdad for Saddam’s execution

THOUSANDS of Shi’ite Muslims marched through Baghdad yesterday clamouring for Saddam Hussein’s execution in the latest show of strength by people oppressed for decades by the former dictator.

The 5,000-strong crowd was believed to be the first public demonstration in Iraq demanding death for Saddam since he was captured by US forces Decembers 13.

The Pentagon said Saddam is a prisoner of war and that designation will not keep the deposed Iraqi president from standing trial before an Iraqi tribunal. “Saddam is a war criminal, not a POW, execute Saddam,” the crowd chanted.