BAGHDAD, Iraq — Lawyers representing Saddam Hussein say the condemned former leader is no longer in U.S. custody. The transfer is one of the last steps necessary before Iraq executes the former dictator.An Iraqi judge told the Associated Press Saddam will be executed by Saturday at the latest.
A U.S. source in Baghdad said Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki wanted to carry out the Butcher of Baghdad's execution as early as Thursday night, but that it was delayed for logistical reasons, and because of confusion over the Iraqi constitution and the law that governs the tribunal that convicted him of murder.
Al-Maliki said "our respect for human rights requires us to execute him, and there will be no review or delay in carrying out the sentence."
The Iraqi prime minister said those who oppose the execution of Saddam were insulting the honor of his victims. His office said he made the remarks in a meeting with families of people who died during Saddam's rule. "Nothing and nobody can abrogate the ruling" upholding Saddam's sentence, al-Maliki said.