"Chemical Ali" sentenced to death by Iraq court

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-25-2007 08:42

Saddam Hussein's cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid known as "Chemical Ali" stands in court as he listens to the verdict being pronounced by Chief Judge Mohammed al-Oreibi al-Khalifah during the verdict trial session in Baghdad.(AFP/Pool/Joseph Eid)

In Iraq, a court has sentenced Saddam Hussein's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid, and two other former regime officials to death by hanging.

This is for their roles in the 1988 Anfal campaign, which led to the deaths of 180,000 Kurds. Ordinary Iraqis say they're pleased with the court's decision.

Ali Hassan al-Majid is better known as "Chemical Ali," a nickname he earned for his alleged use of chemical weapons.

Judge Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa said al-Majid was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. He had been found guilty of ordering army and security services to use chemical weapons in a large-scale offensive that killed and maimed thousands.

Besides al-Majid, the court also sentenced to death two former military commanders under Saddam for their roles in the Anfal campaign. Two other former regime officials were sentenced to life in prison.

Iraqis have said al-Majid deserved no mercy. And Kurds have welcomed the verdicts as their chance to taste vengeance.

Kurdish man said, "We want Iraqi authorities to execute Ali Hassan al-Majid and his group at the cemetery where the victims of Anfal are buried."

Ayoub Faleh, Baghdad resident, said, "Ali Hassan al-Majid destroyed the world, sparing no child and no woman. He himself was heard many times abusing the state. He did not respect the government, of which he was an official. So how can you expect him to show mercy towards innocent civilians."

Al-Majid was viewed as Saddam's main enforcer, a man with a reputation for brutality, who was used by Saddam to crush dissent. Al-Majid directed the Anfal or "Spoils of War" military campaign against the Kurdish north in 1988.

During Anfal, thousands of villages declared "prohibited areas" were razed and bombed. Thousands of villagers were deported, many executed. Mustard gas and nerve agents were used to clear villages.

Up to 180,000 people were killed in the seven-month "scorched-earth" operation. Many of those killed in the poison gas attacks were women and children.