Widespread condemnation against US for Saddam execution

Kolkata, Dec 30 (UNI) The Left parties and the Congress in West Bengal today condemned the execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and took up programmes in protest against the 'judicial murder'.

Describing the hanging as a 'heinous act of US imperialism', Left Front Chairman Biman Basu said the Left parties would organise processions and meetings a cross the state.

West Bengal Pradesh Congress Working Committee Pradip Bhattacharjee said the party observed the day as a 'black day' and the workers wore black badges in protest.

Shouting anti-Bush slogans, Left youths and students staged a massive demonstration in front of the American Center and burnt the effigy of the US President.

Led by the DYFI and SFI, members of 12 Left youth and student organisations, marched from the city's Esplanade area holding posters and placards decrying the 'judicial murder' and shouting 'down with US imperialism' slogan.

SUCI supporters took out a procession from College street and assembled in front of the American Center to stage a vociferious demonstration against the 'US handiwork' behind Saddam's execution and demanding removal of foreign soldiers from Iraq.

Holding candles, Trinamool Congress activists also put up a separate demonstration at the same place.

The Samajwadi Party said in a statement that Saddam's trial was a 'farce' and criticised the UPA Government for its inaction.

Describing as 'illegal' the hanging of the former Iraqi President, All India Minority Forum President Idris Ali said such an unprecedented incident was a pointer to the US 'hegemony' which proved a threat to the world.

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