Judge who sentenced Saddam

to death, living in exile

Russia Herald

A British news report says that the Iraqi judge who sentenced former President Saddam Hussein to death has applied for asylum in London.

 The Times newspaper said Saturday that Raouf Abdel Rahman is living in Britain, because he fears for his life in Iraq. The report says Abdel Rahman arrived in Britain with his family two weeks prior to Saddam's December 30 execution.

 Judiciary officials in Baghdad say Rahman requested a vacation and that he said he was returning home.

 Judge Abdel Rahman, an Iraqi Kurd, presided over the court that sentenced the former Iraqi dictator and some of his top aides to death in November of last year.

 Militants in Iraq have often targeted relatives of prominent public figures, including judges.

 Arabic Al-Jazeera television reported earlier this month that Abdel Rahman was seeking asylum in London.

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