POLITICAL REACTIONS TO THE SADDAM TRIAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 004324 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2015 TAGS: PGOV PHUM KJUS KCRM IZ SUBJECT: POLITICAL REACTIONS TO THE SADDAM TRIAL Classified By: Political Counselor Robert S. Ford for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. For many Iraqis, the Saddam trial provides a sense of relief, revenge, justice and healing. However, some Sunni Arabs claimed that it is a political tool to divert attention away from referendum anomalies and the upcoming elections. Press editorials warn that Saddam's grandstanding may provoke violence in the streets. End Summary. Press Reports -------------- ¶2. (U) The day before the start of the trial, the press reported on demonstrations in Saddam's hometown of Tikrit. The demonstrators insisted that the Saddam trial was a revenge gift from President Bush to his father. On the day of the trial, the press reported on demonstrators in Tikrit calling for Saddam's execution. There were other reports of Sunni Arabs protesting that the start date of the trial was purposely set to focus Sunni claims of referendum tampering and the upcoming elections. Sunni Point of View -------------- ¶3. (C) Mirroring press reports, Head of the General Conference of Iraqi People, Adnan al-Duleimi, told PolFSN on October 19 that it would be better not draw attention to the proceedings so people would continue to focus on the elections. National Dialog Council member Saleh Mutlak told PolFSN on October 19 that Saddam still can provoke street violence during the run up to the elections and warned that political parties will exploit this trial. Vice President Shaikh Ghazi al-Yawr told PolCouns on October 19 that the timing of Saddam's trial was unfortunate. The nation needs to focus on establishing political coalitions before the IECI coalition registration deadline of October 21, not the last regime's crimes, he claimed. Yawr added that Saddam Hussein is a very smart man and will use this trial to grandstand. Knowing that he will probably be executed, Saddam will say anything to provoke the hearts of Iraqis. VIP Gallery -------------- ¶4. (C) The VIPs arrived at the Convention Center three hours prior to the start of the trial, were obediently stripped of cell phones and watches, wanded, loaded onto buses and transported to the trial site - the former International Baathist Headquarters. With only 17 available viewing seats, Iraq Special Tribunal (IST) Judge Ra'ed Juhi told PolOff on October 17 that it was very difficult informing many government officials that they could not attend. ¶5. (C) As a courtesy, the IST invited GOI's top tier, but both President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari were out of town. The most senior person representing the PM's office, Adnan Ali, told PolOff on October 19 that the Shia still have extremely strong emotions about Saddam. There is a sense of relief this day has finally come and also sense of sadness to have to relive the pain of the past, he commented. PM Spokesperson Laith Kubba told PolOff that this was a very historic day for Iraq and all Iraqis, giving them a sense of closure and a new beginning. General Secretary to the Cabinet Dr. Khudair Abbas told PolOff that he had lobbied to be first on the access list. He said he wanted to witness the first step in the healing process. Both First Deputy to the National Assembly Hussain al- Shahristani and National Security Advisor Muwaffiq al- Rubaei briefly told Emboffs that this is a "very special day." IST Judge Ra'ad told PolOff that he was proud to help fulfill a sense of duty to the Iraqi people in helping to bring Saddam to justice. He added that the IST team is confidant Saddam will receive due process and a fair trial. Satterfield