IRAQ: Reactions to forthcoming trial of former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz for execution of merchants in 1992

Record ID: 785238

  • Title: IRAQ: Reactions to forthcoming trial of former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz for execution of merchants in 1992
  • Date: 29th April 2008
  • Summary: MEN READING NEWSPAPER HEADLINES ON STAND NEWSPAPER HEADLINE READING IN ARABIC: ''AZIZ FACES CRIMINAL COURT TODAY IN THE MERCHANT KILLING CASE.''
  • Embargoed: 14th May 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Iraq
  • Country: Iraq
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement
  • Reuters ID: LVAAJLC4V2BS74FY0R8WXBIZ1A4K
  • Story Text: Former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz, the public face of Saddam Hussein's rule, is set to face court on Tuesday (April 29) over the execution of dozens of merchants in 1992.
    It will be the first time 72-year-old Aziz, who also served as foreign minister, has answered charges since he surrendered to U.S. forces in April 2003.
    The merchants were accused of hiking prices of key goods in breach of state price controls when Iraq was suffering U.N. sanctions imposed for its 1990 invasion of Kuwait.
    Baghdad resident had mixed feeling about the trial.
    ''Today there is a fair chance, a divine chance, to bring punishment onto those criminals. They did not provide people the chance (of a fair trial) but now they will be given that chance by the government to face the Iraqi justice system. And God willing, justice will have its course and they will get a fair sentence,'' said one Baghdad resident.
    ''He is an artist, a journalist, he has got nothing to do with those executions. Nothing, this is all a set up. That's my opinion,'' an unidentified Baghdad resident said.
    The only Christian in Saddam's inner circle, Aziz shot to prominence in the world media around the time of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the ensuing crisis.
    He played a starring diplomatic role in the run-up to the Gulf War when he was foreign minister, exhibiting faultless English, strong nerves and negotiating skills.
    Seven other defendants in the case before the Iraqi High Tribunal included Saddam's half brothers Watban Ibrahim al-Hassan, interior minister when the executions took place, and Sabaawi Ibrahim al-Hassan, a former top security official, court spokesman Aref Shaheen said.
    A former trade minister and central bank governor will also face the tribunal.
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