Iraq executes former Saddam-era security officer over 1980 cleric killingIraq has executed a former senior security officer from Saddam Hussein’s era for his role in the 1980 killing of Shiite cleric Mohammed Baqir al-Sadr. By AP Published Date - 9 February 2026, 04:35 PMBaghdad: Iraq announced on Monday that a high-level security officer during the rule of Saddam Hussein had been hanged for his involvement in the 1980 killing of a prominent Shiite cleric. Reports indicate they were tortured before being executed by hanging on April 8, 1980. Since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, authorities have pursued former officials accused of crimes against humanity and abuses against political and religious opponents. Iraq has faced criticism from human rights groups over its application of the death penalty.

Source: Libya Today February 09, 2026 17:10 UTC