Showing posts with label chemical ali. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chemical ali. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Chemical Ali Executed
Ali Hassan al-Majid, aka "Chemical Ali", has been executed by hanging, an Iraqi government spokesman has announced.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Justice
In Iraq it has been announced that "Chemical Ali" will be executed in a few days, for ordering the gassing of 5,000 Kurds in the Iraqi town of Halabja. Ali Hassan al-Majid will die by hanging.
Meanwhile in the UK, Tony Blair can expect a less "final" outcome from his forthcoming appearance before the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war.
A public ballot will be held today for people wanting seats (60 are available) to watch Blair when he appears later his month/February.
Meanwhile in the UK, Tony Blair can expect a less "final" outcome from his forthcoming appearance before the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war.
A public ballot will be held today for people wanting seats (60 are available) to watch Blair when he appears later his month/February.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Fifth Trial
The fifth trial by the Iraqi High Tribunal begins July 21, this trial will cover the 1999 assassination of Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr.
Among the defendants are former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and Ali Hassan al-Majid, aka "Chemical Ali."
Aziz, Majid and six other co-defendants currently face charges in the Iraqi High Tribunal on war crimes for the execution of 42 businessmen in 1992.
Among the defendants are former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and Ali Hassan al-Majid, aka "Chemical Ali."
Aziz, Majid and six other co-defendants currently face charges in the Iraqi High Tribunal on war crimes for the execution of 42 businessmen in 1992.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Chemical Ali Hospitalised
Ali Hassan al-Majid, aka Chemical Ali, has been admitted to hospital after a three day hunger strike.
Majid is on death row, having been sentenced to death for genocide last June.
His execution, along with those of former defence minister Sultan Hashim al-Tai and former armed forces deputy chief of operations Hussein Rashid al-Tikritis, has been delayed by legal wranglings.
Majid is on death row, having been sentenced to death for genocide last June.
His execution, along with those of former defence minister Sultan Hashim al-Tai and former armed forces deputy chief of operations Hussein Rashid al-Tikritis, has been delayed by legal wranglings.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Chemical Ali To Be Executed
The protracted wait for confirmation of the death sentence on Chemical Ali is now over, Iraq has approved the execution of Ali Hassan al-Majid for ordering gas attacks on Iraqi Kurds in the 1980s.
An Iraqi official issued the following statement:
"The presidency has approved Chemical Ali's execution."
Under Iraqi law, Ali should have been executed by October 4, 30 days after his sentence was upheld by the Iraq Supreme Court.
No date has been set for the execution.
An Iraqi official issued the following statement:
"The presidency has approved Chemical Ali's execution."
Under Iraqi law, Ali should have been executed by October 4, 30 days after his sentence was upheld by the Iraq Supreme Court.
No date has been set for the execution.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Maliki Asks Bush To Hand Over Chemical Ali
Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has formally asked President Bush to hand over Saddam Hussein's cousin, "Chemical Ali", and two other former officials sentenced to hang for the 1986-88 crackdown against Kurds.
The US is, quite rightly, refusing to hand over the men until the Iraqi leadership agree as whether the executions should be carried out or not. Were the US to give in to the Prime Minister's request, it would provoke a backlash from Sunni Arabs.
Maliki has accused unnamed politicians of interfering in the legal process for personal reasons, and insisted that Sunni politicians had no right under Iraqi law to pardon or ease the sentences of people convicted of crimes against humanity and condemned.
The US is, quite rightly, refusing to hand over the men until the Iraqi leadership agree as whether the executions should be carried out or not. Were the US to give in to the Prime Minister's request, it would provoke a backlash from Sunni Arabs.
Maliki has accused unnamed politicians of interfering in the legal process for personal reasons, and insisted that Sunni politicians had no right under Iraqi law to pardon or ease the sentences of people convicted of crimes against humanity and condemned.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Delay in Excecutions Drags On
Iraqi Shiite and Kurdish MPs have condemned the delay in carrying out the executions of "Chemical Ali" and two other convicted former officials of the Saddam Hussein regime.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, Sultan Hashim al-Tai, Saddam's defence minister, and Hussein Rashid al-Tikriti, his armed forces deputy chief of operations, were sentenced to death on June 24.
Kurdish and Shiite deputies called for the executions to be carried out without further delay.
The US military will not hand the condemned men over until the legal row between Iraqi officials over the execution is resolved.
Two members of the presidential council President Jalal Talabani, and Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi, have refused to sign the execution orders.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, Sultan Hashim al-Tai, Saddam's defence minister, and Hussein Rashid al-Tikriti, his armed forces deputy chief of operations, were sentenced to death on June 24.
Kurdish and Shiite deputies called for the executions to be carried out without further delay.
The US military will not hand the condemned men over until the legal row between Iraqi officials over the execution is resolved.
Two members of the presidential council President Jalal Talabani, and Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi, have refused to sign the execution orders.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Hanging Delayed
The stay of execution for Chemical Ali, and two other ex members of Saddam Hussein's inner circle, remains in place; as the US continues to hold them and will not hand them over to the Iraqis, until a legal row is resolved.
US spokeswoman Mirembe Nantongo said:
"There continue to be differences in viewpoint within the government of Iraq regarding the necessary Iraqi legal and procedural requirements for carrying out death sentences issued by the Iraqi High Tribunal.
Coalition forces will continue to retain physical custody of the defendants until this issue is resolved."
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki, is less than pleased with the US policy wrt this matter. On Sunday he accused the US embassy of playing an "unfortunate role" in preventing the handover of the three. He added that his government was "determined" that the executions be carried out.
However, the irresistible force appears to have met the rock in the form of Nantongo who said:
"There is still discussion within the government of Iraq over the legal requirements in this case. We are waiting for the government to come to consensus as to what their law requires before preparing a physical transfer."
Two members of the presidential council, President Jalal Talabani and Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi have refused to sign the execution orders.
This stand off is not due to end anytime soon.
US spokeswoman Mirembe Nantongo said:
"There continue to be differences in viewpoint within the government of Iraq regarding the necessary Iraqi legal and procedural requirements for carrying out death sentences issued by the Iraqi High Tribunal.
Coalition forces will continue to retain physical custody of the defendants until this issue is resolved."
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki, is less than pleased with the US policy wrt this matter. On Sunday he accused the US embassy of playing an "unfortunate role" in preventing the handover of the three. He added that his government was "determined" that the executions be carried out.
However, the irresistible force appears to have met the rock in the form of Nantongo who said:
"There is still discussion within the government of Iraq over the legal requirements in this case. We are waiting for the government to come to consensus as to what their law requires before preparing a physical transfer."
Two members of the presidential council, President Jalal Talabani and Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi have refused to sign the execution orders.
This stand off is not due to end anytime soon.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Death Sentence Delayed
The execution of Chemical Ali (Ali Hassan al-Majeed), scheduled for Tuesday, has been delayed as a result of legal wrangling over who should sign the order.
Ali Hassan al-Majeed was convicted in June of planning and directing the Anfal military campaign in 1988, in which prosecutors said up to 180,000 Kurds were killed and which the trial court later ruled was an act of genocide.
The issue revolves around whether Iraq's presidency council needs to issue a decree authorising the execution, or if Maliki's government can set the date.
The council consisting of President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, Vice-President Adel Abdul-Mahdi, a Shi'ite, and Vice-President Tareq al-Hashemi, a Sunni Arab is reportedly split as to whether the execution should take place.
It is reported that Hashemi has refused to sign the execution order.
The Iraqi government has formed a committee to review the mechanism of carrying out death sentences issued by the Iraqi High Tribunal.
The committee will meet during the coming fortnight, and Majeed would not be executed until it gave its report.
When Charles I was executed by Cromwell, Cromwell made sure that all members of the new government signed the order for the execution and that it was not done in a dark corner. The Iraqi government would do well to take a lesson from Cromwell.
Ali Hassan al-Majeed was convicted in June of planning and directing the Anfal military campaign in 1988, in which prosecutors said up to 180,000 Kurds were killed and which the trial court later ruled was an act of genocide.
The issue revolves around whether Iraq's presidency council needs to issue a decree authorising the execution, or if Maliki's government can set the date.
The council consisting of President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, Vice-President Adel Abdul-Mahdi, a Shi'ite, and Vice-President Tareq al-Hashemi, a Sunni Arab is reportedly split as to whether the execution should take place.
It is reported that Hashemi has refused to sign the execution order.
The Iraqi government has formed a committee to review the mechanism of carrying out death sentences issued by the Iraqi High Tribunal.
The committee will meet during the coming fortnight, and Majeed would not be executed until it gave its report.
When Charles I was executed by Cromwell, Cromwell made sure that all members of the new government signed the order for the execution and that it was not done in a dark corner. The Iraqi government would do well to take a lesson from Cromwell.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Execution Status Unclear
Chemical Ali (Ali Hassan al-Majid) was set to be executed yesterday.
Munir Hadad, a senior judge of the Supreme Criminal Court, said that the execution could take place anytime after 5:00am on Tuesday.
Majeed and two other lieutenants of Saddam Hussein were convicted in June of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for their role in Operation Anfal, in which as many as 180,000 Kurdish civilians and guerrillas were killed two decades ago.
It is not yet clear as to whether the sentence has been carried out.
Munir Hadad, a senior judge of the Supreme Criminal Court, said that the execution could take place anytime after 5:00am on Tuesday.
Majeed and two other lieutenants of Saddam Hussein were convicted in June of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for their role in Operation Anfal, in which as many as 180,000 Kurdish civilians and guerrillas were killed two decades ago.
It is not yet clear as to whether the sentence has been carried out.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Chemical Ali Trial
Ali Hassan al-Majid, aka "Chemical Ali", has today demanded that the trial accusing him and 14 other former regime officials for crimes against humanity be adjourned for a month.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, who is due to be hanged after his conviction for genocide in a separate trial, and his co-defendants are accused of having overseen the killing of up to 100,000 Shiites.
Majid and another defendant Ibrahim Abdul Razzaz said that their lawyers were afraid to attend the court, and had asked for protection from the US military which was refused.
Majid told judge Mohammed al-Khalifah al-Oreibi:
"My brothers here have some demands.
They said they would stop eating and drinking if their lawyers are not back. They need more negotiations (with the US military). I don't think this will take more than one month.
I ask that we adjourn the trial for one month so that we can come up with a solution."
Judge Oreibi noted his comments but then went on to call the first witness of the day, an old man who spoke from behind a curtain.
Quote:
"The tanks started to shell our houses. There were lots of soldiers. I told my family to run away. The soldiers took my two sons.
They were rounding up all the young men of the village. One of the boys resisted so they shot him dead. I saw it with my own eyes. Many houses were destroyed."
The trial continues.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, who is due to be hanged after his conviction for genocide in a separate trial, and his co-defendants are accused of having overseen the killing of up to 100,000 Shiites.
Majid and another defendant Ibrahim Abdul Razzaz said that their lawyers were afraid to attend the court, and had asked for protection from the US military which was refused.
Majid told judge Mohammed al-Khalifah al-Oreibi:
"My brothers here have some demands.
They said they would stop eating and drinking if their lawyers are not back. They need more negotiations (with the US military). I don't think this will take more than one month.
I ask that we adjourn the trial for one month so that we can come up with a solution."
Judge Oreibi noted his comments but then went on to call the first witness of the day, an old man who spoke from behind a curtain.
Quote:
"The tanks started to shell our houses. There were lots of soldiers. I told my family to run away. The soldiers took my two sons.
They were rounding up all the young men of the village. One of the boys resisted so they shot him dead. I saw it with my own eyes. Many houses were destroyed."
The trial continues.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thrown From A Helicopter
A mother has accused Saddam Hussein's cousin, Chemical Ali, of throwing her sons out of a helicopter to their deaths during the crushing of a Shia rebellion in Iraq.
The woman was giving testimony in the trial of 15 of Saddam's aides accused of crimes against humanity, during the repression of the 1991 rebellion.
She was speaking from behind a curtain, in order to protect her identity, and accused Ali Hassan al-Majid (aka Chemical Ali) of killing her two sons.
Quote:
"The army detained my two sons, my brother and my niece on March 3, 1991.
Nine days later, my brother and niece were released and they told me that Ali Hasan al-Majid had executed my two sons by throwing them out of a helicopter into the Gulf."
The Shias who took part in the uprising expected the US to back them in the rebellion. However, former US president George Bush instead ordered a halt at the Iraqi border, leaving the rebels to be dealt with by Saddam's Revolutionary Guards.
Around 90 victims and witnesses are expected to testify against the defendants in the current trial.
The woman was giving testimony in the trial of 15 of Saddam's aides accused of crimes against humanity, during the repression of the 1991 rebellion.
She was speaking from behind a curtain, in order to protect her identity, and accused Ali Hassan al-Majid (aka Chemical Ali) of killing her two sons.
Quote:
"The army detained my two sons, my brother and my niece on March 3, 1991.
Nine days later, my brother and niece were released and they told me that Ali Hasan al-Majid had executed my two sons by throwing them out of a helicopter into the Gulf."
The Shias who took part in the uprising expected the US to back them in the rebellion. However, former US president George Bush instead ordered a halt at the Iraqi border, leaving the rebels to be dealt with by Saddam's Revolutionary Guards.
Around 90 victims and witnesses are expected to testify against the defendants in the current trial.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Accusations of Torture
Kamil Abu al-Hail, an Iraqi ex-MP, accused the 15 aides of Saddam Hussein of crimes against humanity has said he was falsely imprisoned for months.
Kamil Abu al-Hail said he had been held at a prison in Baghdad, where hundreds were beaten and tortured daily.
The defendants are on trial for allegedly helping to suppress a Shia uprising after the 1991 Gulf War.
Kamil Abu al-Hail said that he had been arrested after arriving in Baghdad to attend a parliamentary session in the aftermath of the uprising, and taken to al-Radwaniya prison.
Quote:
"I heard screams of pain as prisoners were beaten and tortured.
At the end of the day, I could see people being carried out on blankets soaked with blood. They could not walk because of the harsh torture."
Mr Abu al-Hail was released several months later, after receiving a presidential pardon.
Quote:
"I was dismissed from the parliament. My cotton factory and my house were destroyed by the shelling from the army."
The Shaaban Intifada (Uprising) started in March 1991 as defeated Iraqi troops fled back to southern Iraq after US-led forces took control of Kuwait.
Many Shia blame the US for the uprising's failure, as it came to a ceasefire agreement with the Iraqi government and did not intervene.
The trial continues.
Kamil Abu al-Hail said he had been held at a prison in Baghdad, where hundreds were beaten and tortured daily.
The defendants are on trial for allegedly helping to suppress a Shia uprising after the 1991 Gulf War.
Kamil Abu al-Hail said that he had been arrested after arriving in Baghdad to attend a parliamentary session in the aftermath of the uprising, and taken to al-Radwaniya prison.
Quote:
"I heard screams of pain as prisoners were beaten and tortured.
At the end of the day, I could see people being carried out on blankets soaked with blood. They could not walk because of the harsh torture."
Mr Abu al-Hail was released several months later, after receiving a presidential pardon.
Quote:
"I was dismissed from the parliament. My cotton factory and my house were destroyed by the shelling from the army."
The Shaaban Intifada (Uprising) started in March 1991 as defeated Iraqi troops fled back to southern Iraq after US-led forces took control of Kuwait.
Many Shia blame the US for the uprising's failure, as it came to a ceasefire agreement with the Iraqi government and did not intervene.
The trial continues.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Chemical Ali On Trial
Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as "Chemical Ali", is on trial again in Baghdad together with 14 other aides of Saddam Hussein. They are charged with the suppression of a Shia uprising after the 1991 Gulf War.
This is the third trial held by the Iraq High Tribunal.
Majid and two other defendants have already been sentenced to death, in an earlier trial, for crimes against the Kurdish population.
The uprising happened when the then President of the US, George Bush senior, had called on the Iraqi people and the military to oust Saddam.
However, Bush chose not to cross the border into Iraq and Saddam was able to launch a counter-attack with tanks and helicopters.
Bush senior argued that while he hoped a popular revolt would topple Saddam, he did not want to see the break-up of the Iraqi state.
It is therefore somewhat ironic that the actions of his son, by invading Iraq, have most likely brought about the break up of Iraq.
This is the third trial held by the Iraq High Tribunal.
Majid and two other defendants have already been sentenced to death, in an earlier trial, for crimes against the Kurdish population.
The uprising happened when the then President of the US, George Bush senior, had called on the Iraqi people and the military to oust Saddam.
However, Bush chose not to cross the border into Iraq and Saddam was able to launch a counter-attack with tanks and helicopters.
Bush senior argued that while he hoped a popular revolt would topple Saddam, he did not want to see the break-up of the Iraqi state.
It is therefore somewhat ironic that the actions of his son, by invading Iraq, have most likely brought about the break up of Iraq.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Chemical Ali Faces Another Trial
Saddam Hussein's cousin known as "Chemical Ali", and 14 other defendants, will face charges next week in Iraq's third trial against former regime officials.
Prosecutor Jaafar al-Moussawi said that the trial will begin on August 21st. Ali Hassan al-Majid, Saddam's cousin and the former defence minister, will be among the defendants. This trial will commence whilst Ali awaits a decision on his death sentence appeal in a separate case.
The charges include genocide, mass murder and crimes against humanity and the defendants will face a possible death sentence if convicted.
The chief judge will be Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, who also presided over the Anfal trial, and the chief prosecutor will be Mahdi Abdul-Amir.
Prosecutor Jaafar al-Moussawi said that the trial will begin on August 21st. Ali Hassan al-Majid, Saddam's cousin and the former defence minister, will be among the defendants. This trial will commence whilst Ali awaits a decision on his death sentence appeal in a separate case.
The charges include genocide, mass murder and crimes against humanity and the defendants will face a possible death sentence if convicted.
The chief judge will be Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, who also presided over the Anfal trial, and the chief prosecutor will be Mahdi Abdul-Amir.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Chemical Ali To Hang in Baghdad
Saddam Hussein's cousin "Chemical Ali", Hassan al-Majid, and two other former regime officials will be hanged in Baghdad and not in Kurdistan if their death sentences for killing Kurds are upheld by an appeals court.
The Iraqi government, not noted for its competence, is concerned that hanging them in Kurdistan would make their executions look like revenge killings.
An appeals court is considering their appeal of sentences handed down last month.
The Iraqi government, not noted for its competence, is concerned that hanging them in Kurdistan would make their executions look like revenge killings.
An appeals court is considering their appeal of sentences handed down last month.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Chemical Ali Sentenced to Death
Saddam Hussein's cousin known as "Chemical Ali", and two other former regime officials, have been sentenced to death by hanging today for their roles in a 1980's campaign that led to the deaths of 180,000 Kurds.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, Saddam's cousin and the former head of the Baath Party's Northern Bureau Command, stood silently as the judge read the verdict.
The judge, Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, said that al-Majid was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes for ordering army and security services to use chemical weapons in a large-scale offensive that killed or maimed thousands.
As he was led out of the court, al-Majid said:
"Thanks be to God."
The death sentence is subject to an appeal confirmation.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, Saddam's cousin and the former head of the Baath Party's Northern Bureau Command, stood silently as the judge read the verdict.
The judge, Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, said that al-Majid was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes for ordering army and security services to use chemical weapons in a large-scale offensive that killed or maimed thousands.
As he was led out of the court, al-Majid said:
"Thanks be to God."
The death sentence is subject to an appeal confirmation.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Verdict Soon on Chemical Ali
The Iraqi court trying Saddam Hussein's cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid, aka "Chemical Ali", and other former regime officials for their roles in a 1980s military campaign against the Kurds said Sunday that it would issue a verdict on 24 June.
They all face a possible death sentence, if convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
They all face a possible death sentence, if convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Saddam's Former Minister Denies Chemical Weapons
Sultan Hashim Ahmad al-Tai, Saddam Hussein's former defence minister, said on Sunday that he had no access to chemical weapons and had received no orders to use them in an operation that killed tens of thousands of Iraqi Kurds.
Also on trial is Saddam's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as "Chemical Ali" for allegedly ordering poison gas attacks against the Kurds.
If convicted, the defendants could be sentenced to death by hanging.
Al-Tai said:
"I did not receive any order asking me to use chemical weapons, but if so I would have implemented it. I did not receive any chemical-related weapons."
Chief Prosecutor Munqith al-Faroon said al-Tai knew about the chemical attack, and showed the court a letter sent by his superiors asking him to use "special ammunition (chemical weapons) against enemy poison."
Al-Tai's lawyer said that his client was only defending his country against Iranian attacks in northern Iraq during the 1980-88 war between the two countries.
Also on trial is Saddam's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as "Chemical Ali" for allegedly ordering poison gas attacks against the Kurds.
If convicted, the defendants could be sentenced to death by hanging.
Al-Tai said:
"I did not receive any order asking me to use chemical weapons, but if so I would have implemented it. I did not receive any chemical-related weapons."
Chief Prosecutor Munqith al-Faroon said al-Tai knew about the chemical attack, and showed the court a letter sent by his superiors asking him to use "special ammunition (chemical weapons) against enemy poison."
Al-Tai's lawyer said that his client was only defending his country against Iranian attacks in northern Iraq during the 1980-88 war between the two countries.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Chemical Ali Claims Immunity
Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as "Chemical Ali", Saddam Hussein's cousin claimed immunity from prosecution yesterday.
He told Iraq's High Tribunal that it had no right to try him for war crimes, because US forces were immune from prosecution for their alleged wrongdoing in Iraq.
Ali Hassan al-Majid said:
"If I made a mistake, then those (the Iraqi government and US troops) who are currently implementing a law that covers all parts of Iraq should be punished. I issued a law for a part of Iraq only."
Prosecutor Munqith al-Faroon told al-Majid that US troops "have immunity in Iraq only. There were soldiers who were tried and received harsh punishment."
The trial will resume on February 7th.
He told Iraq's High Tribunal that it had no right to try him for war crimes, because US forces were immune from prosecution for their alleged wrongdoing in Iraq.
Ali Hassan al-Majid said:
"If I made a mistake, then those (the Iraqi government and US troops) who are currently implementing a law that covers all parts of Iraq should be punished. I issued a law for a part of Iraq only."
Prosecutor Munqith al-Faroon told al-Majid that US troops "have immunity in Iraq only. There were soldiers who were tried and received harsh punishment."
The trial will resume on February 7th.
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