Death Sentence Against Hussein's Vice President Confirmed

Taha Yassin Ramadan in court during his trial (file photo) (epa) March 15, 2007 -- An Iraqi appeals court has upheld the death sentence against Saddam Hussein's former vice president.

Taha Yassin Ramadan was convicted in November along with Hussein and six others for the killing of some 140 Shi'a in the 1980s.

He was initially sentenced to life in prison, but that sentence was later raised by a higher court and automatically sent to an appeals panel.

Ramadan's execution by hanging is to be carried out within 30 days.

Iraqi authorities have faced criticism over their handling of the executions of Hussein and two other former officials, after a leaked video showed Hussein being taunted on the gallows, and another convict's head was severed during his hanging.

New York-based Human Rights Watch has called for the death sentence against Ramadan to be repealed.

(compiled from agency reports)