On Execution

I couldn't resist alluding to Arendt. But for more serious matters.

We are internationally protected from cruel, inhumane or degrading punishment. See the International Convention on Torture, and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Seeing the death penalty as such many nations have removed such a sentence from their judicial system. 88 countries and territories have abolished the death penalty for all crimes; 11 countries have abolished the death penalty for all but exceptional crimes such as wartime crimes; 29 countries can be considered abolitionist in practice.

When those who still prescribe such punishment do so there is often a global outcry. Regardless of whether this is Western imperialism, (perhaps not considering that the US still execute), or a global human rights concern (we all have the right to life. This is not so easy to give up in comparison to the loss of voting rights for prisoners.), something guides us to object to the rulings of these courts.

Except, a notable exception recently passed.

Hussein hung and there was little objection (remember this is a comparative point). Perhaps this is because it was a forgone conclusion. Be honest, did you not know that if tried by an Iraqi court death would be visited on him? Of course the ruling of guilt was right no current court could legitimately found other wise – there are some things that under the weight of evidence cannot be disputed. But to execute – kill –the man modern democratic society condemns for killing others is either hypocritical or a for of primeval justice which satisfies the ancient blood lust of society.

How dismissive these short paragraphs seem. They are not meant to be such, merely ponderings upon the world stage.

I do have several select thoughts on the matter:
1) He died a martyr to his cause – we may not agree, but for those who followed him his legend has been completed and his place in history guaranteed.
2) It is unsatisfying that a guilty verdict on the crime of genocide was never achieved, it would not have altered Hussein's fate, but the truth would have, at last, been justly recorded.

Originally published January 2007