Footage of Saddam at the gallows
Images and video clips of Saddam Hussein facing execution are starting to roll in from Iraq this morning. NO ONE that I know of, including Arab networks, has published the actual execution, rather, most of the video clips show Saddam at the gallows right before the "trap door" drops open, dropping the former Iraqi dictator to his death.
Reuters has posted a brief clip online, which you can view by clicking here. I don't consider the video to be "graphic" in nature, and as stated, it does NOT show the actual execution.
CNN also has an image on it's website, as well as several video clips, but unfortunately, there is no URL for the videos, so I can't link directly to them.
Time has a photo essay up on the life of Hussein, and an extensive article to go along with it.
UPDATE: The Associated Press has a VERY extensive write up, and several video clips including a video diary on the life of Hussein.
4 comments:
the mainstream corporate media sure didn't describe Saddam's demeanor accurately. He looked like he was as composed and dignified as one could be in such a situation....
buzz...
I look forward to hearing more about the decision to film the event and broadcast it. You might remember when Saddam Hussein's son was killed, and the image of his mauled face was displayed. (I managed to avoid ever seeing the image, though I read descriptions; such things turn my stomach.) It became clear that showing that was to prove to Iraqis that he had, in fact, been killed.
Perhaps the logic is the same here? Although given that nobody doubts he was in captivity, I can't see why it would be doubted that he was actually killed. Perhaps the image of the execution itself is intended to be a symbol of victory?
A lot of thought probably went into this. I hope we find out what it was.
I can't help but think if the true purpose of recording the execution was to "prove" to Iraqi's that he's dead, and they only show footage just BEFORE he was killed, what good does it do?
Waldo:
Yes, I think images of his body being show to the Iraqi public is for the purpose of confirming his death. In many Arab states where the media has been state run (and unreliable) for so long the public is often very distrustful of 'official statements'. Also, considering that he was handed over to the Iraqi military for the execution, and that it's been reported on that the Iraqi cops and military are infiltrated with sectarian and political militia, I imagine it's possible that rumors that he was quietly freed by a secretly loyal military officer could sprout up without visual confirmation that he is, in fact, actually dead (and that the dead guy is actually him).
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