IRAQ. FIRST DEATH SENTENCES IN THE COUNTRY FOR INSURGENTS

May 22, 2005: an Iraqi court sentenced three rebels to death for rape, kidnapping and murder, the first death sentences passed in connection with the ongoing insurgency.
And the Iraqi government announced in a statement that two Syrians were sentenced by a court in Baghdad to life imprisonment for joining the insurgency. The three death sentences, passed on men aged 25, 30 and 44, followed their conviction on charges of taking part in 20 different rebel operations during which they killed and captured policemen and raped Iraqi women.
Members of the public attending the trial in the town, 170 kilometers (110 miles) southeast of Baghdad, applauded the sentence and shouted "Long live justice". The special criminal court said the sentences would be carried out "in the coming 10 days". (Sources: Agence France Presse, 22/05/2005)