Saddam execution meets strong protest in Nepal

Kathmandu, Jan 1 (UNI) Various human rights organisations and politicial parties held protest programmes in the Himalayan nation against the execution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Youth wing of the CPN, UML took out a rally here protesting the execution of Saddam on Saturday, who was executed in Iraq on Saturday on the charge of ''crime against humanity''.

Students halted vehicular movement along the east west highway in Makawanpur district for an hour, chanting slogans against US President George W Bush.

Such protest programmes were held in Syangja, Bara and Nawalparasi districts and an effigy of Mr Bush was burnt.

''Muslim communities in Kaski and Myagdi districts held protest programmes and burnt effigies of Mr Bush,'' local media reported.

Varoius human rights organisations condemned the execution of Saddam saying that, ''We believe the allied forces show-trial through the so-called Iraqi judges is just an eyewash conspiracy which was neither fair nor credible.'' The human rights organisations said, ''We strongly oppose the death sentence, which does not help curb crimes and atrocities.'' UNI