Iraqi Ex-Minister Sentenced to Death

A file picture dated 02 October 2002 shows then Iraqi deputy prime minister Tariq Aziz in Ankara, Turkey. Tariq Aziz, for many years the public face of Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime, has been sentenced to death by hanging. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Tariq Aziz, for many years the international face of Iraq under Saddam Hussein, has been sentenced to death by the Iraqi Supreme Court, BBC reported.

He was convicted in connection with the persecution of religious parties, a statement said.

Aziz served as foreign minister and deputy prime minister and was a close adviser to Saddam Hussein.

He has been previously convicted for his role in the execution of dozens of merchants for profiteering.

Aziz is reported to be seriously ill having suffered a stroke.

"The supreme criminal court issued an execution order against Tariq Aziz for his role in eliminating religious parties," Iraqi state television reported.

Aziz, a Christian, surrendered to US troops in 2003 shortly after the fall of Baghdad.

In 2009 he was jailed for 15 years for the executions of 42 Iraqi merchants.

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