Iraqi PM calls for calm ahead of expected Saddam verdict

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Saturday called on the people to be calm when the court delivers what Saddam Hussein "deserves" on the Dujail case.

Maliki made the call in a televised news conference after meeting tribal leaders of the southern Misan province.

"We call on the Iraqi people to be calm when they express their happiness, taking into consideration the current security challenges," Maliki said.

The premier said that he will address the Iraqi people a speech on the occasion on Sunday to call for "calm and discipline", adding "we hope that Saddam will get what he deserves for what he did against the Iraqi people."

Saddam and his seven co-accused have been charged with crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shiite villagers after a failed attempt assassination in the town of Dujail in 1982.

If convicted, the ousted president faces death by hanging, which is feared to bring more violence across Iraq.

The Iraqi authorities have reportedly taken security measures to avoid possible violence following the sentence, including setting up extra checkpoints and reinforcing patrols in the capital.

Source: Xinhua