Another way to die in Iraq

Reuters: Iraq carries out first post-Saddam executions

Iraq executed three convicted murderers on Thursday, the first time the government has carried out the death penalty since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, government spokesman Laith Kubba said.

"At 10 a.m. in Baghdad the first executions were carried out since the fall of the regime, against three criminals," he told reporters.

Iraq's presidency had signed the death sentences for the three men found guilty by a criminal court in Wasit province in southeastern Iraq of murder, kidnapping and rape.

Thousands of Iraqis have died in violence since the 2003 U.S. invasion, with insurgents battling U.S. troops and the U.S.-backed government.

Ordinary crime has also become rampant against a background of daily suicide bombs, kidnappings and assassinations.

Many Western governments and rights groups had hoped the death penalty would be outlawed in Iraq after the rule of the Baath party, accused of killing hundreds of thousands of people.

"This is not an easy thing to do," Kubba said. "Despite all the condemnation from states who want us to abolish capital punishment, I think capital punishment will help us deter some criminals."

President Jalal Talabani, who opposes capital punishment, did not sign the death sentences, but his deputy signed on his behalf. Read more