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Hanging of Saddam's aides filmed Hanging of Saddam's aides filmed
(20 minutes later)
Iraqi government officials have shown journalists video of the hanging of two of Saddam Hussein's aides, during which one of the men was decapitated.Iraqi government officials have shown journalists video of the hanging of two of Saddam Hussein's aides, during which one of the men was decapitated.
The film shows Barzan Ibrahim - Saddam Hussein's half-brother - and Awad Hamed al-Bandar hanged side-by-side.The film shows Barzan Ibrahim - Saddam Hussein's half-brother - and Awad Hamed al-Bandar hanged side-by-side.
Barzan, former intelligence chief, and al-Bandar, former head of Iraq's Revolutionary Court, were convicted over the killing of 148 Shias in 1982.Barzan, former intelligence chief, and al-Bandar, former head of Iraq's Revolutionary Court, were convicted over the killing of 148 Shias in 1982.
The government said Barzan's beheading was accidental.The government said Barzan's beheading was accidental.
The BBC's Andrew North in Baghdad says the video first shows both men being prepared for execution standing next to each other.The BBC's Andrew North in Baghdad says the video first shows both men being prepared for execution standing next to each other.
They were both dressed in orange boiler suits.They were both dressed in orange boiler suits.
JUDICIAL HANGING Execution intended to break the neck, not strangle 'Long drop' method developed in late 19th CenturyLength of rope calculated using prisoner's weightDrop is usually 4ft-10ft (1.3m-3m)Too long a drop leads to decapitation Iraq government statement Stances on death penaltyJUDICIAL HANGING Execution intended to break the neck, not strangle 'Long drop' method developed in late 19th CenturyLength of rope calculated using prisoner's weightDrop is usually 4ft-10ft (1.3m-3m)Too long a drop leads to decapitation Iraq government statement Stances on death penalty
Executioners in balaclavas placed hoods round both men's heads, then the noose.Executioners in balaclavas placed hoods round both men's heads, then the noose.
A short while later the footage, which is silent, shows both men fall.A short while later the footage, which is silent, shows both men fall.
Almost immediately the rope that was round Barzan's neck flicks upwards, the body dropping below.Almost immediately the rope that was round Barzan's neck flicks upwards, the body dropping below.
The cameraman then shows the pit below and a headless body, bloodied at the neck and what officials say was Barzan's head still covered by a hood.The cameraman then shows the pit below and a headless body, bloodied at the neck and what officials say was Barzan's head still covered by a hood.
Bandar's body was still hanging above, said one official who was present at the execution. Al-Bandar's body was still hanging above, said one official who was present at the execution.
Our correspondent says officials say they are not planning to release the footage publicly.Our correspondent says officials say they are not planning to release the footage publicly.
Both men's bodies are reported to have been flown to Saddam Hussein's home town of Tikrit, 180 km (110 miles) north of Baghdad, for burial.Both men's bodies are reported to have been flown to Saddam Hussein's home town of Tikrit, 180 km (110 miles) north of Baghdad, for burial.
Mixed reactionMixed reaction
Witnesses said Barzan and Bandar were shaking with fear as they approached the gallows. Witnesses said Barzan and al-Bandar were shaking with fear as they approached the gallows.
One of those present, public prosecutor Jaafar al-Moussawi, told the BBC that when the trap door opened, he could only see Barzan's rope dangling.One of those present, public prosecutor Jaafar al-Moussawi, told the BBC that when the trap door opened, he could only see Barzan's rope dangling.
Executed judge's case Obituary: Barzan al-Tikriti "I thought the convict Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti had escaped the noose. I shouted that he's escaped the noose, go down and look for him. I went down a few steps ahead of the others to see: I found out that his head had separated from his body."Executed judge's case Obituary: Barzan al-Tikriti "I thought the convict Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti had escaped the noose. I shouted that he's escaped the noose, go down and look for him. I went down a few steps ahead of the others to see: I found out that his head had separated from his body."
The hangings took place at 0300 (0000 GMT), apparently in the same building in north Baghdad where Saddam Hussein was put to death on 30 December.The hangings took place at 0300 (0000 GMT), apparently in the same building in north Baghdad where Saddam Hussein was put to death on 30 December.
The manner of the former Iraqi leader's execution drew international criticism after unofficial mobile phone footage showing him being taunted and insulted in his final moments was released.The manner of the former Iraqi leader's execution drew international criticism after unofficial mobile phone footage showing him being taunted and insulted in his final moments was released.
Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said there were no such scenes at the hanging of his aides.Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said there were no such scenes at the hanging of his aides.
The BBC's world affairs correspondent Mike Wooldridge says reaction in Baghdad to Barzan and Bandar's executions has been mixed. The BBC's world affairs correspondent Mike Wooldridge says reaction in Baghdad to Barzan and al-Bandar's executions has been mixed.
He says residents of Baghdad's largest Shia district, Sadr City, have celebrated the latest hangings, especially Barzan's.He says residents of Baghdad's largest Shia district, Sadr City, have celebrated the latest hangings, especially Barzan's.
But other Baghdad residents have said the executions have nothing to do with the problems Iraqis face every day, our correspondent adds.But other Baghdad residents have said the executions have nothing to do with the problems Iraqis face every day, our correspondent adds.
In the Shia holy city of Najaf, residents beat drums and marched in the streets at news of the executions, AFP news agency reported.In the Shia holy city of Najaf, residents beat drums and marched in the streets at news of the executions, AFP news agency reported.