Iraqis protest for and against Saddam

[sabra]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/TAI856567.htm

Iraqis protest for and against Saddam

BAGHDAD, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Protesters demanding the execution of Saddam Hussein filled the streets of one Iraqi village on Monday while in his hometown others rallied in support of the deposed leader as he returned to court.

The pro-Saddam protest in Tikrit was as heated as the anti-Saddam demonstration in Dujail, the village where he is accused of ordering the deaths of 148 young Shi'ite men after an attempt on his life there 23 years ago.

Hundreds of angry demonstrators in Dujail, about 60 km (35 miles) north of Baghdad, called for Saddam's execution.

"Many families were devastated," said Gasem Mohammad, the head of the Dujail local council. Saddam's men also destroyed large areas of date palm orchard after the assassination attempt, he added.