Saddam died a martyr’s death: Shiv Sena

MUMBAI: Lashing out at the execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, the Shiv Sena has termed it as an act of “martyrdom”. “Saddam’s execution is evidence of USA’s arrogance ... it is a parody of justice,” an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamna said.

Criticising US President George Bush, the editorial said if Saddam was held guilty for massacre of Shias in 1982, the US president was hundred times more “guilty” for the death of lakhs of Iraqis in the last few years. “Saddam was a fighter and he died like a fighter. He died a martyr’s death for his country,” it said.

The editorial also questioned the “US soft policy” on Pakistan, saying as Osama Bin Laden was most likely holed up in Pakistan, the US should target that country instead of Iraq to combat terrorism. The editorial came down heavily on the Indian government for not speeding up the execution of Afzal Guru, convicted in the Parliament attack case.

While the US and the current Iraqi government did not think twice before executing Saddam ahead of Bakri-Eid, Afzal is yet to be hanged, it said.