WORLD
Iraqi ex-minister Tariq Aziz sentenced to death
Baku, October 26 (AZERTAC). Tariq Aziz, for many years the international face of Iraq under Saddam Hussein, has been sentenced to death by the Iraqi Supreme Court. He was convicted in connection with the persecution of religious parties, a statement said. Aziz served as foreign minister and deputy prime minister and was a close adviser to Saddam Hussein. He has been previously convicted for his role in the execution of dozens of merchants for profiteering. Aziz is reported to be seriously ill having suffered a stroke.
“The supreme criminal court issued an execution order against Tariq Aziz for his role in eliminating religious parties,” Iraqi state television reported.
Officials said two other defendants in the case were also sentenced to death - former interior minister Sadoun Shakir and former private secretary to Saddam Hussein, Abed Hamoud.
Court spokesman Mohammed Abdul Sahib did not say when the death sentences would be carried out.
There is a right of appeal and the sentences must be confirmed by the presidential council.
Aziz, a Christian, surrendered to US troops in 2003 shortly after the fall of Baghdad.
In 2009 he was jailed for 15 years for the executions of 42 Iraqi merchants.