Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein should not face the death penalty and must be tried by a tribunal of Iraqis and international specialists, the head of Amnesty International said on Sunday.
Such a trial would have credibility in Iraq and the rest of the world, Irene Khan, secretary-general of the London-based human rights group, told The AP.
Washington wants an Iraqi court to try the former Iraqi president, who has been in custody since his capture last month.
"We do not think the Iraqi judicial system has the experience and the expertise, given the history of Saddam's own regime, to be able to try him in a fair manner," said Khan, who is taking part in the World Social Forum, a gathering of anti-war and anti-globalization activists.
However, she added, "It's important the trial take place in Iraq where the Iraqi people will see justice being done.
"Our recommendation is that a tribunal that is set up to try Saddam Hussein include international experts as well as Iraqis, that it adhere strictly to international standards and that it does not apply the death penalty," she said. (Albawaba.com)
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