The Saddam trial verdict came to a conclusion today. The former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has been convicted for crimes against humanity by a Baghdad court and sentenced to death by hanging. He was found guilty as a result of his role in the killing of 148 people in the mainly Shia town of Dujail in 1982.

His half brother Barzan al-Tikriti and Iraq's former chief judge Awad Hamed al-Bander were also sentenced to death.

As the judge began reading the death sentence Saddam Hussein yelped out the words "Allahu Akbar!" (God is Greatest) and "Long live Iraq! Long live the Iraqi people! Down with the traitors!"

But when the sentance was passed - the smile was wiped off his face - the former leader looked shocked and furious and continued shout and screaming at the court complaining of the unlawful US-led occupation force in Iraq.

But the sinister aspect to this was that as Saddam Hussein was walked out of the courtroom he seemed to have a small smile on his face, it was as if it was all part of his plan.

Gunfire in celebration of the sentance could be heard throughout baghdad - so much for his supporters.

The Sentances Passed Today

Saddam Hussein, former Iraqi president: death by hanging
Awad Hamed al-Bander, Chief Judge of Revolutionary Court: death by hanging
Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, Saddam Hussein's half-brother: death by hanging
Taha Yasin Ramadan, Iraqi vice-president: life sentence
Abdullah Kadhem Ruaid Senior Baath official: 15 years
Abdullah Rawed Mizher, Senior Baath official: 15 years
Ali Daeem Ali, Senior Baath official: 15 years

President of America - George W. Bush no doubt said something in reaction to this - but I can't be bothered to report it - no doubt his statement will appear in the Bushism Blog if you are interested.

Here is a picture of Saddam during Happier times: