Al-Arabiya has learnt new details related to the trial of Saddam Hussein and Muammar Qaddafi’s bid to save him.

Judge Mounir Haddad, who chaired the trial of late Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, revealed new details related to the trial and about Saddam’s last moments.

In an interview to Al-Arabiya’s Point of Order, the judge said they expedited Saddam’s execution because they believed it was possible to smuggle him out of prison. He said that late Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi was trying to bribe American guards and smuggle Saddam out.

Haddad said that unlike previous reports former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani voiced his implicit approval for Saddam’s execution. The judge also said that – unlike many Iraqi and American media reports – what distinguished Saddam during the verdict was his calm and composure.

Haddad added that he received Saddam’s will himself as a Sunni cleric was not present when he was executed. According to the judge, he asked Saddam about his will and he just replied wishing health and wellbeing to the judge.

Haddad said that it is not right to categorize Saddam as a Sunni as he was a dictator who killed many people, including many Sunnis. He also said that the Baath Party is Shiite and was established in a Shiite city, adding that its first leaders were Shiites.

Haddad is set to reveal more such details in the episode which will air on Al-Arabiya news channel on April 14.

source: AlArabiya