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Hanging of Saddam's aides filmed Hanging of Saddam's aides filmed
(10 minutes later)
Iraqi government officials have shown journalists video of the hanging of two of Saddam Hussein's aides, during which one of the men was decapitated.Iraqi government officials have shown journalists video of the hanging of two of Saddam Hussein's aides, during which one of the men was decapitated.
The film shows Barzan Ibrahim - Saddam Hussein's half-brother - and Awad Hamed al-Bandar hanged side-by-side.The film shows Barzan Ibrahim - Saddam Hussein's half-brother - and Awad Hamed al-Bandar hanged side-by-side.
Barzan, former intelligence chief, and al-Bandar, former head of Iraq's Revolutionary Court, were convicted over the killing of 148 Shias in 1982.Barzan, former intelligence chief, and al-Bandar, former head of Iraq's Revolutionary Court, were convicted over the killing of 148 Shias in 1982.
The government said Barzan's beheading was accidental.The government said Barzan's beheading was accidental.
The BBC's Andrew North in Baghdad says the video first shows both men being prepared for execution standing next to each other.The BBC's Andrew North in Baghdad says the video first shows both men being prepared for execution standing next to each other.
They were both dressed in orange boiler suits.They were both dressed in orange boiler suits.
Executioners in balaclavas placed hoods round both men's heads, then the noose.Executioners in balaclavas placed hoods round both men's heads, then the noose.
A short while later the footage, which is silent, shows both men fall.A short while later the footage, which is silent, shows both men fall.
Almost immediately the rope that was round Barzan's neck flicks upwards, the body dropping below.Almost immediately the rope that was round Barzan's neck flicks upwards, the body dropping below.
The cameraman then shows the pit below and a headless body, bloodied at the neck and what officials say was Barzan's head still covered by a hood.The cameraman then shows the pit below and a headless body, bloodied at the neck and what officials say was Barzan's head still covered by a hood.
Al-Bandar's body was still hanging above, said one official who was present at the execution.Al-Bandar's body was still hanging above, said one official who was present at the execution.
Our correspondent says officials say they are not planning to release the footage publicly.
The hangings took place at 0300 (0000 GMT), apparently in the same building where Saddam Hussein was put to death on 30 December after being convicted of the same crime.
The manner of the former Iraqi leader's execution drew international criticism after unofficial mobile phone footage showing him being taunted and insulted in his final moments was released.
Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said there were no such scenes at the hanging of his aides.