Don't hang Saddam - demand SP, Left

New Delhi, Nov 6 (UNI) The Iraqi court's handing down of capital punishment to former President Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity has come under criticism with the Samajwadi Party and the Left seeking the Centre's intervention.

Terming the sentence ''dastardly assassination'' of the rule of law, Indian Union Muslim League President G M Banatwalla said it was crystal clear that there was no fair trial.

''The entire legal process and machinery was dominated by the 'victor' of Iraq,'' he added.

''It is also well timed to benefit President Bush supporters in the critical Congressional elections in United States,'' he said.

Strongly opposing the death sentence handed to the toppled leader, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today came down heavily on the US. ''It was American President George W Bush who was guilty of killing innocent Iraqis but Saddam Hussein has been awarded the death sentence,''the UP CM told reporters in his reaction.

''Samajwadi Party will oppose capital punishment to toppled leader and expect the same from the UPA government at the Centre,'' Mr Yadav said.

Reacting strongly to the verdict, the Congress in Kerala decided to organise marches and demonstrations throughout the state against the 'inhuman' act.

Talking to media here, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala said the court verdict was in tune with the 'game plan' of imperialist forces.

In West Bengal, the ruling Left Front urged the UPA government at the Centre to intervene into the execution of the death sentence to the deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and chalked out a week-long programme throughout the state to build up public opinion against the 'US conspiracy'.

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