Iraqi Plans To Execute Hussein Codefendants Unclear

Hussein and codefendants in court (file photo) (epa) January 4, 2007 -- There's continuing uncertainty over Iraqi authorities' plans to execute two men convicted alongside former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Initial reports said Hussein's half-brother, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, and former chief Judge Awad al-Bandar might be hanged today.

But Iraqi officials now say the executions have either been postponed or that no date has been set.

Earlier, the UN's top human rights official, Louise Arbour, called for the sentences not to be carried out, and said she had concerns about the fairness of the trial.

Meanwhile, differing reports say one or more people are being questioned in connection with the unofficial video showing Hussein being taunted before his hanging.

The images have been blamed for stoking sectarian tensions. In the latest violence, two bombs exploded near a gas station in Baghdad today, killling 13 people and wounding more than 20.

(AFP, Reuters)