Tariq Aziz, Saddam-era official, gets 15 years

[unhappycamper]

Saddam Hussein's former foreign minister, Tariq Aziz, was convicted and sentenced March 11 to 15 years in prison for his role in the 1992 execution of 42 merchants accused of price gouging while Iraq was under U.N. sanctions. The conviction was the first against Aziz, who for years was the former regime's public face to the West.


Tariq Aziz, Saddam-era official, gets 15 years
By Kim Gamel - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Mar 11, 2009 15:44:54 EDT

BAGHDAD — For years he was the urbane, cigar-smoking face of Saddam Hussein’s regime, who argued his boss’ case in the international corridors of power.

Tariq Aziz now faces 15 years in prison for crimes against humanity in the 1992 execution of Iraqi merchants — his first conviction for his role in the ousted regime.

The silver-haired former foreign minister, deputy prime minister and Saddam insider blinked frequently Wednesday as the judge read the verdict — guilty on four counts of crimes against humanity including complicity in murder and torture.

Aziz, wearing a blue jacket, black shirt and his trademark thick, black-rimmed glasses, stood silently. When the judge finished, Aziz quietly asked if he could sit down. The request was granted.

He sat with his eyes shut as other defendants rose to hear their sentences.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/03/ap_aziz_sentenced_031109/%2e