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ITN
Prescott condemns execution
Prescott condemns execution
The Deputy Prime Minister has said the manner of Saddam Hussein's execution was "deplorable". (Pic: Reuters)John Prescott said leaked footage of Saddam's death was "totally unacceptable" and those responsible should be condemned.He said: "I think the manner was quite deplorable really. I don't think one can endorse in any way that, whatever your views about capital punishment."Mr Prescott continued: "Frankly, to get the kind of recorded messages coming out is totally unacceptable and I think whoever is involved and responsible for it should be ashamed of themselves."Footage of the former Iraqi dictator's last moments - shot on a mobile phone - showed him exchanging taunts and insults with witnesses at his execution.Tony Blair has been criticised by Labour MPs for refusing to make an official statement about the execution.Glenda Jackson MP branded the Prime Minister's lack of public reaction "amazing" while Peter Kilfoyle MP said it was "yet another error in a long catalogue" on Iraq.Mr Blair has previously underlined Britain's opposition to the death penalty but stressed it was for the Iraqis to decide the fate of their former president.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
ITN | January 2, 2007
