Tariq Aziz, deputy to Saddam Hussein, asks to be executed quickly
January 23, 2013
Tariq Aziz, the former deputy to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, plans to ask Pope Bendict XVI to support his wish to be executed promptly, his lawyer reports.
Aziz, who was sentenced to death by an Iraqi panel in 2010 for crimes against humanity, is reportedly suffering from depression as well as physical ailments including diabetes and heart disease. His lawyer quoted Aziz as saying that “I would prefer to be executed rather than stay in this condition.”
The Iraqi leader, a Chaldean Catholic, has frequently sought help from the Vatican since the fall of the Saddam Hussein government in 2003. His plea for a quick execution is unlikely to win the Pope’s support, however. Pope Benedict has argued consistently against the death penalty, and both Vatican officials and Iraqi bishops have urged clemency in the Aziz case.
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Further information:
- Iraq's Aziz depressed, wants Pope's help (AFP)
- Tarik Aziz, Christian deputy to Saddam Hussein, faces hanging (CWN, 10/26/10)
- Iraqi archbishop urges president: stop executions (CWN, 11/17/10)
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Posted by: nix898049 -
Jan. 24, 2013 4:09 PM ET USA
Sorry, Minn Mary, but T. Aziz is about as Catholic as our own VP. I say, may God have mercy on them both. Also, I hope you are not blind to religious persecution here in the USA.
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Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
Jan. 24, 2013 11:22 AM ET USA
In another post I said that Tariq Aziz was Saddam's Secretary of State. This article calls him a former deputy to Saddam Hussein. Anyway, my point was that Christians were free to practice their fath under Saddam, but now they are under terrible persecution. May God bless Tariz Aziz! Please Lord give him help!
