January 1, 2007
Former Khmer Rouge No. 2 Leader Praises, Pities Saddam
Hussein
By The Associated Press
face charges of crimes against humanity, felt pity for Saddam Hussein as he
watched the former Iraqi dictator's execution on television, a newspaper
reported Tuesday.
"The way they were treating Saddam on Saturday was too extreme. I really
pity him," The Cambodia Daily newspaper quoted Nuon Chea saying.
The former Khmer Rouge leader said he was moved by the TV images showing
Saddam's defiance during the hanging, the newspaper said.
"He was very firm and strong, and his spirit was high even though
executioners were standing by him," it quoted Nuon Chea, 80, as saying.
"Saddam Hussein had a spirit of national love," he said, adding,
"I love
him."
Nuon Chea was the chief ideologue of the now-defunct Khmer Rouge, whose
dictatorial rule in
people from starvation, overwork, diseases and execution.
He was the No. 2 figure after Pol Pot, the movement's leader who died in
1998.
Judicial officials of a joint Cambodia-United Nations special tribunal are
currently building cases for bringing a handful of former Khmer Rouge
officials to trial.
Nuon Chea is thought to be a prime candidate along with two senior
colleagues, Khieu Samphan and Ieng Sary, for prosecution on charges for
genocide and crimes against humanity committed by their regime.
Copyright 2007
International Herald Tribune