Saddam could face execution from July 1

Saddam Hussein could be tried “in the next few weeks” and faces execution if convicted, one Iraqi Governing Council member said today.

But other council members said a trial would likely begin later.

The trial will begin “very soon, in the next few weeks,” said Mouwafak al-Rabii, a Shiite Muslim council member. “I can tell you he is going to be the first.”

Al-Rabii noted that the US led occupation authorities have suspended the death penalty until there is a sovereign government, which is expected by July 1 under a deal with the coalition.

“We will get sovereignty on the 30th of June, and I can tell you, he could be executed on the 1st of July.” said al-Rabii, a long-time human rights activist.

Two other members of the US appointed Governing Council said Saddam’s trial could take longer to begin.

Council member Dara Noor al-Din said the trial could begin in four to six months.

Last week, the council announced a war crimes tribunal to try former members of Saddam’s regime.