Mixed reaction to Saddam's failed death sentence appeal

Published on Wednesday 27 December 2006 12:15

THE rejection of Saddam Hussein's appeal against his death sentence is evoking a mixed response around the world.

While the White House has declared it a milestone in Iraq's transition to a democracy, human rights groups are opposing his execution, which could happen as early as today.

Tony Blair insists Britain is opposed to the death penalty, but added that Saddam's trial had given a "very clear reminder of the total and barbaric brutality of that regime".

India is expressing concern over any delay to the restoration of peace in Iraq, but the country's prime minister Nouri Maliki believes Saddam's death could undermine the militant violence in the country.

The EU has called on Iraq not to carry out the death sentence.

Iraq's highest appeals court yesterday rejected Saddam's appeal against his death sentence and said he should be executed within 30 days.

He was convicted last month of killing 148 people from a Shiah Muslim town.