Saddam Hussein, who ruled Iraq with an iron fist from 1979 until his ouster in 2003, was executed in a Baghdad prison by hanging after a lengthy trial that found him guilty of crimes against humanity. Specifically, he was charged with the 1982 massacre in Dujail, where over 140 Shiite Muslims were killed in retaliation for a failed assassination attempt against him. His trial began in 2005 and was characterized by controversy and accusations of unfairness, but it concluded with a formal verdict by the Iraqi High Tribunal in November 2006. The execution was steeped in drama, particularly given the charged atmosphere in Iraq, where sectarian violence was rampant following the U.S. invasion.As the time of execution approached, Iraqi officials confirmed it to prevent further violence, signaling it was a politically delicate situation. Witnesses described the scene, where Saddam, dressed in a black suit, was calm and composed. In his final moments, he reportedly recited the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, and expressed his belief in Allah, demonstrating both resolve and a political message of dissent against his captors. The execution was broadcast to members of the tribunal, journalists, and international watchers, raising significant debate about ethics, legality, and the implications for Iraq’s future governance.After his execution, reactions varied widely across the globe. Many in Iraq felt a sense of justice, particularly among the Shiite population who suffered under his regime, while countless Sunnis and other groups mourned a leader they viewed as a bulwark against U.S. influence in Iraq. The event ultimately reinforced divisions within the country and sparked discussions about the nature of retribution, justice, and reconciliation in post-Saddam Iraq.