Iraq envoy backs Saddam verdict

Mrs Clwyd said justice had been done

Labour MP Ann Clwyd says she welcomes the guilty verdict in the trial of Saddam Hussein, although she is against the death penalty herself.

Ms Clwyd, Tony Blair's special envoy to Iraq, said many people had waited "for a long time" for Sunday's decision.

The former Iraqi leader was sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of crimes against humanity.

The Cynon Valley MP, who supported the war in Iraq, said those who took part in the trial were to be congratulated.

She said: "I have spent 35 years criticising this regime for its human rights violations and I'm glad to see that a verdict has been reached."

Giving her reaction to the court's decision to BBC Wales, Ms Clwyd said: "I think of all the people of Iraq.

Anticipated verdict

"The hundreds of thousands who have died, (been) tortured, disappeared and their families who will today be very pleased ..the vast majority of the people of Iraq will be very pleased that a verdict has been reached."

Ms Clwyd attended Saddam's trial in June and had previously handed over 35 boxes of evidence from people interviewed in 15 countries collected by an organisation she chaired to the court.

She said she was against the death penalty and "had reservations because I anticipated what the verdict would be."

"But nevertheless it's an Iraqi court, it's an Iraqi decision and there will be an appeal," said Ms Clwyd.

The MP said that Saddam was also facing charges in another trial into the murders and disappearances of nearly 100,000 Kurds.

Iraqis celebrate the death sentence for Saddam Hussein

She added: "I think for the sake of the people of Iraq we need to know what happened. Why things were done - these trials, these charges should be heard and the cases should continue.

Asked whether the guilty verdict in the crimes against humanity trial would lead to greater violence, Ms Clwyd said "the vast majority of the people of Iraq...will be glad."

She said some of the minority Sunni group - some of whom backed Saddam's regime were demonstrating in Tikrit, his home town today.

"But in Baghdad there are people also celebrating on the streets.

"I don't know what will happen long term but it is important that justice is done - is seen to be done - and this has been a good process," said Ms Clwyd.