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Saudi Arabia Criticizes Saddam Hanging on Muslim Holiday | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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(Agencies) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in a state of “surprise and dismay” at the hanging of deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein on the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha festival.

“There is a feeling of surprise and disapproval that the verdict has been applied during the holy months and the first days of Eid al-Adha,” a presenter on the official al-Ikhbariya TV said after programming was broken to read a statement.

The statement which was carried on the official Saudi Press Agency went on to say that “Leaders of Islamic countries should show respect for this blessed occasion … not demean it,” said the statement.

“It had been expected that the trial of a former president, who ruled for a considerable length of time, would last longer, … demonstrate more precision, and not be politicized.”