An Iraqi judge appointed to attend the hanging of ousted president Saddam Hussein said yesterday he would be executed today, giving rise to consternation and disbelief among Arabs and Muslims, writes Michael Jansen.
Iraqi government spokesmen have denied the judge's statement, but it was confirmed in a fax message to a news agency by the US State Department.
Lawyers for Saddam yesterday asked a US court to order a halt to his execution, which may be carried out as early as 6am Baghdad time today. In a last-minute filing to the US District Court of Washington, Saddam's lawyers asked for a temporary stay of execution because he is a defendant in a civil case in the same court and he has been prevented from being able to defend himself.
Hanging Saddam anytime before the middle of next week would be regarded as sacrilege because Muslims are performing the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and are today celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, marking the ritual slaying by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) of a sheep instead of his son.
It is customary to forgive enemies, grant pardons and release prisoners at this time rather than carry out executions.
Arab commentators say Saddam would be regarded as a "sacrificial lamb" if he was hanged during this period.
Although Iraqi spokesmen and US officials last night denied early reports that he had been transferred to the Iraqi government's custody, these reports were given substance by the announcement yesterday by Saddam's chief lawyer, Khalil al-Dulaimi, that he was asked to collect the former president's belongings from the US prison near Baghdad International Airport in preparation for his handover to Iraqi authorities for execution.
On Thursday, Saddam met his half-brothers and fellow inmates Sabawi and Watban Ibrahim Hassan, and lawyer Badie Araf, to whom he gave his will, untitled poems and other effects.
Mr Araf said: "He told them he was happy he would meet his death at the hands of his enemies and be a martyr, not just languish in jail."