A telephone card that bears an image of Saddam Hussein has been removed from the Brazilian market by Telefonica, after Sao Paulo prosecutors threatened the telephone company.
The card, featuring Hussein in the custody of soldiers one of whom is pointing his gun at Hussein, was issued by Telefonica in June as part of its "World History" series.
However, Telefonica withdrew the card this week after local prosecutors threatened to charge the company with inciting violence and racial intolerance.
It also alleged that the card represented only one view, that of the United States, of Hussein's situation.
Whilst the card itself might be considered to be rather tasteless, the reaction of the prosecutors in Sao Paulo is absurd.
The card represented a moment in history, whether one agrees with it or not, to deny that this moment happened is akin to burying one's head in the sand.
Doubtless those copies of the card that have been issued, will now become collectors' items.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Demands For Judge To Be Ousted
Aides to Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmad Chalabi, have said that they will demand the dismissal of Raid Juhi the judge who has led the investigations of the mass killings committed under Saddam Hussein.
This demand will go in the face of US calls for restraint.
Raid Juhi is the most prominent of 19 judges, prosecutors and officials on the list of those to be purged from the Iraqi tribunal set up to try Saddam.
All of the 19 are former members of Saddam's Baath Party, and therefore legally ineligible to work for the tribunal.
However, Juhi as the tribunal's chief investigative judge is considered by the Americans to be central to the work of the tribunal.
Juhi has not commented publicly on the controversy. However, it is believed by some that Chalabi, who was once a favourite of the Pentagon, was using the issue as cover for a political manoeuvre to protect Muqtada al-Sadr, a Shiite cleric who is Chalabi's new political partner.
Juhi, in 2003 issued a warrant for the arrest of al-Sadr, who led two uprisings against U.S. troops last year, on murder charges. It is possible that Chalabi is trying to punish Juhi for this.
The warrant, held in abeyance by Iraqi officials as part of the deal that ended al-Sadr's rebellion, charged him with ordering the killing of Ayatollah Abdul Majid al-Khoei, a prominent Shiite cleric.
Chalabi formed a partnership with al-Sadr, for the elections held in January, and it is believed that he hopes to become prime minister after the next round of elections in December.
He would need the help of al-Sadr for these hopes to come to fruition.
Politics is very dirty business, and politicians' motives and actions should always be taken with a pinch of salt.
This demand will go in the face of US calls for restraint.
Raid Juhi is the most prominent of 19 judges, prosecutors and officials on the list of those to be purged from the Iraqi tribunal set up to try Saddam.
All of the 19 are former members of Saddam's Baath Party, and therefore legally ineligible to work for the tribunal.
However, Juhi as the tribunal's chief investigative judge is considered by the Americans to be central to the work of the tribunal.
Juhi has not commented publicly on the controversy. However, it is believed by some that Chalabi, who was once a favourite of the Pentagon, was using the issue as cover for a political manoeuvre to protect Muqtada al-Sadr, a Shiite cleric who is Chalabi's new political partner.
Juhi, in 2003 issued a warrant for the arrest of al-Sadr, who led two uprisings against U.S. troops last year, on murder charges. It is possible that Chalabi is trying to punish Juhi for this.
The warrant, held in abeyance by Iraqi officials as part of the deal that ended al-Sadr's rebellion, charged him with ordering the killing of Ayatollah Abdul Majid al-Khoei, a prominent Shiite cleric.
Chalabi formed a partnership with al-Sadr, for the elections held in January, and it is believed that he hopes to become prime minister after the next round of elections in December.
He would need the help of al-Sadr for these hopes to come to fruition.
Politics is very dirty business, and politicians' motives and actions should always be taken with a pinch of salt.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Saddam Hussein Requests Swedish Trial
Saddam Hussein has had his request for his trial to be held in Sweden turned down.
Justice ministry director Ann Marie Bolin Pennegaard said:
"We have said 'no'..Sweden has no intention of filing a request to the competent authorities in Iraq for a transfer of Saddam Hussein to Sweden before his trial," .
Adding:
"Nor has Sweden considered the issue of establishing a seat of the Iraqi Special Tribunal in Sweden. It is also to be noted that there is no possibility under present Swedish legislation ... to let Saddam Hussein serve any possible sentence in a Swedish prison after his trial," .
According to reports Giovanni di Stefano, Saddam's attorney, will ask Iraq and the United Nations to file an official request for Sweden to accept Hussein before, during or after the trial.
He is quoted as saying:
"If Iraq or the UN sends a request to Sweden this could still happen. One couldn't stop an Egyptian ambassador from recently being kidnapped and murdered in Baghdad. And there is a war going on there, and how can one hold a trial when bombs are exploding outside the door?".
Adding:
"It is no longer just about Saddam Hussein getting a fair trial but also about him getting a safe trial,".
Pennegaard responded by saying:
"If completely new information comes to light we will of course have to evaluate this again,".
I doubt that the Iraqis would be too pleased to lose the chance of trying him in his own country. That being said, the situation there is hardly stable; prviding security for the trial will prove to be a major headache.
Justice ministry director Ann Marie Bolin Pennegaard said:
"We have said 'no'..Sweden has no intention of filing a request to the competent authorities in Iraq for a transfer of Saddam Hussein to Sweden before his trial," .
Adding:
"Nor has Sweden considered the issue of establishing a seat of the Iraqi Special Tribunal in Sweden. It is also to be noted that there is no possibility under present Swedish legislation ... to let Saddam Hussein serve any possible sentence in a Swedish prison after his trial," .
According to reports Giovanni di Stefano, Saddam's attorney, will ask Iraq and the United Nations to file an official request for Sweden to accept Hussein before, during or after the trial.
He is quoted as saying:
"If Iraq or the UN sends a request to Sweden this could still happen. One couldn't stop an Egyptian ambassador from recently being kidnapped and murdered in Baghdad. And there is a war going on there, and how can one hold a trial when bombs are exploding outside the door?".
Adding:
"It is no longer just about Saddam Hussein getting a fair trial but also about him getting a safe trial,".
Pennegaard responded by saying:
"If completely new information comes to light we will of course have to evaluate this again,".
I doubt that the Iraqis would be too pleased to lose the chance of trying him in his own country. That being said, the situation there is hardly stable; prviding security for the trial will prove to be a major headache.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Saddam's Assets Frozen
The U.S. Treasury on Thursday froze property and other assets in the United States of the six sons of the half brother of Saddam Hussein. The half brother is Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, who was captured earlier this year.
Stuart Levey, the Treasury's Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said:
"This action targets the money flows of former regime elements actively supporting attacks against coalition forces and the Iraqi people,".
Treasury did not provide any estimate of what the property or other assets are worth.
The sons designated by Treasury are Yasir Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, Omar Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, Ayman Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, Ibrahim Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, Bashar Sabawi Ibrahim Hassan al-Tikriti and S'ad Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti.
The announcement said that the US government has information that Yasir, Omar, Ayman and Bashar provided support to elements of the former Baathist government and to groups carrying out attacks against Iraq and coalition forces, as well as against Iraqi citizens.
It is also alleged that Yasir, Omar and Bashar directed a number of anti-coalition activities in Iraq, and maintained communication with several insurgent groups throughout northern and central Iraq.
The department said it was submitting the names of the six individuals to the United Nations with the recommendation that they be listed under a resolution that requires U.N. member states to identify, freeze and transfer to a development fund assets of senior members of the former Iraqi government and their immediate family members.
Stuart Levey, the Treasury's Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said:
"This action targets the money flows of former regime elements actively supporting attacks against coalition forces and the Iraqi people,".
Treasury did not provide any estimate of what the property or other assets are worth.
The sons designated by Treasury are Yasir Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, Omar Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, Ayman Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, Ibrahim Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, Bashar Sabawi Ibrahim Hassan al-Tikriti and S'ad Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti.
The announcement said that the US government has information that Yasir, Omar, Ayman and Bashar provided support to elements of the former Baathist government and to groups carrying out attacks against Iraq and coalition forces, as well as against Iraqi citizens.
It is also alleged that Yasir, Omar and Bashar directed a number of anti-coalition activities in Iraq, and maintained communication with several insurgent groups throughout northern and central Iraq.
The department said it was submitting the names of the six individuals to the United Nations with the recommendation that they be listed under a resolution that requires U.N. member states to identify, freeze and transfer to a development fund assets of senior members of the former Iraqi government and their immediate family members.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Saddam's Video
Saddam Hussein has appeared in a video lambasting Iraq's new government, and complaining about his lack of access to a lawyer as he waits to be tried for war crimes.
In the video, Saddam is seen to ask for his attorney and criticises his inability to see the lawyer before trial.
Quote:
"By law, a lawyer should be with the defendant. Is it fair that the lawyer cannot see the defendant except in court sessions?"
Rather ironic that the former dictator now falls back on the rule of law.
The video was broadcast on Al-Arabiya TV, then also released to CNN, and shows a hearing that took place with Saddam Hussein on 21 July.
Saddam's attorneys have said that he should not be tried for anything, because he is immune to all charges under the Iraqi constitution as it was written under his rule.
Well that would be the case wouldn't it?
I doubt very much that that line of argument will hold much water with the prosecuting authorities.
In the video, Saddam appears defiant yet frail and tired.
The official presiding over the session explains to him that it was a hearing, and that he was in the custody of the Iraqi government.
Saddam asks:
"Which government?"
Adding:
"I am detained and this is a game. ... I am detained by the Iraqi government, which is appointed by the Americans."
In the video, Saddam is seen to ask for his attorney and criticises his inability to see the lawyer before trial.
Quote:
"By law, a lawyer should be with the defendant. Is it fair that the lawyer cannot see the defendant except in court sessions?"
Rather ironic that the former dictator now falls back on the rule of law.
The video was broadcast on Al-Arabiya TV, then also released to CNN, and shows a hearing that took place with Saddam Hussein on 21 July.
Saddam's attorneys have said that he should not be tried for anything, because he is immune to all charges under the Iraqi constitution as it was written under his rule.
Well that would be the case wouldn't it?
I doubt very much that that line of argument will hold much water with the prosecuting authorities.
In the video, Saddam appears defiant yet frail and tired.
The official presiding over the session explains to him that it was a hearing, and that he was in the custody of the Iraqi government.
Saddam asks:
"Which government?"
Adding:
"I am detained and this is a game. ... I am detained by the Iraqi government, which is appointed by the Americans."
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Nine Expelled From Tribunal
Nine staff members of the Iraqi Special Tribunal, preparing to try Saddam Hussein, have been dismissed because of their links to the Baath Party.
There are also another 19 cases reportedly under review.
A system of De-Baathification, similar to the De-Nazification of Germany, is being employed in Iraq.
The executive director of the Supreme National Commission for de-Baathification, Ali al-Lami, said that the nine held administrative jobs such as; the witness security protection program and tribunal security.
Amongst the remaining 19 being considered for expulsion are a number of judges, including chief judge Raid Juhi.
The head of the government committee in charge of purging former Baath officials is Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Chalabi, he was once a Pentagon favorite.
His spokesman, Entifadh Qanbar, is quoted as saying:
"We believe that many Baathists have infiltrated the special tribunal and they should be dismissed. The reasons behind the delay in the trial of Saddam is the presence of Baathists in the special tribunal, and they represent an obstacle to the trial of the former regime members."
The need for speed in bringing Saddam Hussein to trial is now keenly felt. The longer the delay goes on, the worse the situation in respect of the body count becomes as Iraq lurches towards civil war.
The trial is being seen as a palliative for Iraq's ills.
To my view, a more effective palliative would have been an effective, efficient and well thought through reconstruction programme in the aftermath of the "regime change" operation.
However, as the people of Iraq and the rest of the world are now learning to their cost, there was no effective post decapitation plan in place.
Let us trust that there are no other "regime change" plans being considered.
There are also another 19 cases reportedly under review.
A system of De-Baathification, similar to the De-Nazification of Germany, is being employed in Iraq.
The executive director of the Supreme National Commission for de-Baathification, Ali al-Lami, said that the nine held administrative jobs such as; the witness security protection program and tribunal security.
Amongst the remaining 19 being considered for expulsion are a number of judges, including chief judge Raid Juhi.
The head of the government committee in charge of purging former Baath officials is Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Chalabi, he was once a Pentagon favorite.
His spokesman, Entifadh Qanbar, is quoted as saying:
"We believe that many Baathists have infiltrated the special tribunal and they should be dismissed. The reasons behind the delay in the trial of Saddam is the presence of Baathists in the special tribunal, and they represent an obstacle to the trial of the former regime members."
The need for speed in bringing Saddam Hussein to trial is now keenly felt. The longer the delay goes on, the worse the situation in respect of the body count becomes as Iraq lurches towards civil war.
The trial is being seen as a palliative for Iraq's ills.
To my view, a more effective palliative would have been an effective, efficient and well thought through reconstruction programme in the aftermath of the "regime change" operation.
However, as the people of Iraq and the rest of the world are now learning to their cost, there was no effective post decapitation plan in place.
Let us trust that there are no other "regime change" plans being considered.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
25000 Dead
It was announced yesterday that, since the cessation of the Iraq invasion, 25000 Iraqi civilians have died.
That works out to approximately 34 a day.
The question is, with Iraq bordering on civil war, will there be a country left for the trial of Saddam Hussein to be held in?
That works out to approximately 34 a day.
The question is, with Iraq bordering on civil war, will there be a country left for the trial of Saddam Hussein to be held in?
RSC Attacked Over Saddam Portrayal
The Royal Shakespeare Company is being criticised for its decision to portray Richard III are Saddam Hussein, in their forthcoming season of Shakespeare plays.
The Richard III Society say that the portrayal will be damaging to Richard's already battered reputation.
Seemingly Richard III had his bad side, but was still a good laugh.
Saddam, evidently, does not carry the same level of support.
The Richard III Society say that the portrayal will be damaging to Richard's already battered reputation.
Seemingly Richard III had his bad side, but was still a good laugh.
Saddam, evidently, does not carry the same level of support.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Iran Demands War Trial
Iran has demanded that former dictator Saddam Hussein be tried for the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.
The demand came as Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari ended his fence mending visit to Iran.
Jaafari made a number of agreements with the Iranians on matters ranging from security to Iraq's desperate shortage of refined fuel; somewhat ironic given the massive oil reserves that lie beneath Iraq.
Iranian Foreign Minister, Kamal Kharazi, said that the Iranian government was prepared to provide the Iraqi Special Tribunal charged with trying Saddam and its top aides with "all necessary evidence and documents to the special court for the trial of Saddam."
Kharazi said that Iranian soldiers and civilians had been killed by the chemical weapons of Saddam's regime, which had also made missile strikes on Tehran and other cities during the war.
It is estimated that one million people were killed.
Iraq agreed that Saddam should be held accountable for the war during a visit to Baghdad by Kharazi, in May.
Saddam has now been formally charged, in connection with the 1982 killing of 143 residents of a village northwest of the capital Baghdad. However, investigations are still continuing into other war-crime allegations against him.
The demand came as Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari ended his fence mending visit to Iran.
Jaafari made a number of agreements with the Iranians on matters ranging from security to Iraq's desperate shortage of refined fuel; somewhat ironic given the massive oil reserves that lie beneath Iraq.
Iranian Foreign Minister, Kamal Kharazi, said that the Iranian government was prepared to provide the Iraqi Special Tribunal charged with trying Saddam and its top aides with "all necessary evidence and documents to the special court for the trial of Saddam."
Kharazi said that Iranian soldiers and civilians had been killed by the chemical weapons of Saddam's regime, which had also made missile strikes on Tehran and other cities during the war.
It is estimated that one million people were killed.
Iraq agreed that Saddam should be held accountable for the war during a visit to Baghdad by Kharazi, in May.
Saddam has now been formally charged, in connection with the 1982 killing of 143 residents of a village northwest of the capital Baghdad. However, investigations are still continuing into other war-crime allegations against him.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Saddam's Trial Could begin Within Days
Iraq's special tribunal has laid the first charges against Saddam Hussein for crimes committed during the former dictator's rule.
The tribunal's chief investigating judge, Raed Jouhi, said that Saddam had been charged along with three other defendants in connection with the killing of Shi'ite Muslims in the village of Dujail, north of Baghdad, in 1982.
Jouhi said that court proceedings against Saddam and the others could begin "within days."
The tribunal's chief investigating judge, Raed Jouhi, said that Saddam had been charged along with three other defendants in connection with the killing of Shi'ite Muslims in the village of Dujail, north of Baghdad, in 1982.
Jouhi said that court proceedings against Saddam and the others could begin "within days."
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