Saddam Hussein's executioner recalls anniversary of dictator's death
The man responsible for hanging former Iraqi president recalls an unrepentant dictator who remained strong until his execution
Mowaffak al-Rubaie sits in his office with a statue of Saddam Hussein behind him, the rope used to hang the dictator around its neck, recalling his final minutes.
The former national security adviser, who oversaw Saddam's December 30, 2006, execution, said the late president never expressed any regret.
"A criminal? True. A killer? True. A butcher? True. But he was strong until the end," he said.
"I received [Saddam] at the door. No one entered with us - no foreigners, and no Americans," al-Rubaie said in an interview at his office in the Kadhimiyah area of north Baghdad, near the prison where the execution took place seven years ago.
I didn’t hear any regret from him, I didn’t hear any request for mercy from God
"He was wearing a jacket and a white shirt, normal and relaxed, and I didn't see any signs of fear.
