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Saddam Hussein's top aides hanged Saddam Hussein's top aides hanged
(30 minutes later)
Two of Saddam Hussein's key aides have been hanged in Baghdad, two weeks after the chaotic execution of the former Iraqi president.Two of Saddam Hussein's key aides have been hanged in Baghdad, two weeks after the chaotic execution of the former Iraqi president.
Officials stressed this time there had been "no violations", but Saddam Hussein's half-brother, Barzan al-Tikriti, was decapitated as he hung.Officials stressed this time there had been "no violations", but Saddam Hussein's half-brother, Barzan al-Tikriti, was decapitated as he hung.
Barzan and Awad Hamad al-Bandar, a top judge under the regime, were convicted over the killing of 148 Shias in 1982.Barzan and Awad Hamad al-Bandar, a top judge under the regime, were convicted over the killing of 148 Shias in 1982.
The country's president Jalal Talabani had urged their executions be delayed.The country's president Jalal Talabani had urged their executions be delayed.
A spokesman said the decapitation of Tikriti was not abnormal, although it was rare, and described it as "an act of God". A spokesman said the decapitation of Barzan was not abnormal, although it was rare, and described it as "an act of God".
JUDICIAL HANGING Execution intended to break the neck, not strangle 'Long drop' method developed in late 19th centuryLength of rope calculated using prisoner's weightDrop is usually 4ft-10ft (1.3m-3m)Too long a drop leads to decapitation Who stands where on death penalty
The executions apparently took place in the same building where Saddam Hussein was put to death on 30 December after being convicted of the same crime.The executions apparently took place in the same building where Saddam Hussein was put to death on 30 December after being convicted of the same crime.
The manner of his execution has sparked controversy around the world, after unofficial mobile phone footage was released showing him being taunted and insulted in his final moments.The manner of his execution has sparked controversy around the world, after unofficial mobile phone footage was released showing him being taunted and insulted in his final moments.
Iraq's Shia-dominated government pledged a full investigation, and this time everyone present at the facility had signed a document pledging appropriate behaviour, the government spokesman said.Iraq's Shia-dominated government pledged a full investigation, and this time everyone present at the facility had signed a document pledging appropriate behaviour, the government spokesman said.
No official footage has as yet been released of the executions.No official footage has as yet been released of the executions.
'Key target'Key target
Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti was the former Iraqi leader's half-brother and served as the head of his feared secret police, the Mukhabarat.Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti was the former Iraqi leader's half-brother and served as the head of his feared secret police, the Mukhabarat.
Profile: Awad Hamad al-Bandar Profile: Barzan al-Tikriti Profile: Awad Hamad al-Bandar Profile: Barzan al-Tikriti
He was a senior figure in the Iraqi government at the time of the US-led invasion of 2003 and was a key target for capture.He was a senior figure in the Iraqi government at the time of the US-led invasion of 2003 and was a key target for capture.
Awad Hamad al-Bandar was chief justice of the Iraqi Revolutionary Court. According to his indictment, he conducted show trials which often led to summary death sentences.Awad Hamad al-Bandar was chief justice of the Iraqi Revolutionary Court. According to his indictment, he conducted show trials which often led to summary death sentences.
The court he headed issued death sentences against residents of the town of Dujail in the aftermath of the failed assassination attempt on the president on 8 July 1982.The court he headed issued death sentences against residents of the town of Dujail in the aftermath of the failed assassination attempt on the president on 8 July 1982.
His lawyers argued that he had simply been following the letter of Iraqi law, as it was written at the time, and also denied that he had ordered the execution of juveniles.His lawyers argued that he had simply been following the letter of Iraqi law, as it was written at the time, and also denied that he had ordered the execution of juveniles.