Concern over planned Iraqi hangings
8:14 AM August 18

Human rights groups have condemned Iraq's decision to carry out the
first executions since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
The former dictator himself could soon be facing the gallows.
Executions were suspended in Iraq just after the US-led invasion
two-and-a-half years ago, but last August the death penalty was
reinstated amid widespread public support.
Three men convicted of rape and murder will be the first to be executed
and many more hangings are expected to follow.
Saddam, who will be tried in the next two months, could be among those
heading to the gallows.
The return of executions has been criticised by human rights groups who
are concerned about the state of Iraq's judicial system.
They say the system is still too fragile to ensure a lot of defendants
receive fair trials.
Iraq's new government says it wants to send a message to insurgents.
But the US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack is urging Iraq's
judges to tread very carefully.
"What we expect is that any judicial process is transparent," he said.
The US is urging Iraq to observe international judicial standards.

Source: ABC