Human Rights Watch condemned the verdict as unsound,

saying the court had been guilty of so many shortcomings

that a fair trial had been impossible.

 

It said the court lacked the expertise

 for such a complex trial,

 had failed to give the defence advance notice

 of key documents,

 while statements by government officials

 had undermined its independence

 and perceived impartiality.

 

UN human rights experts also identified

 "serious procedural shortcomings"

 and called on Iraq

 not to carry out the death sentences.

 They also said Saddam was not given enough time

 to prepare his defence

 and had restricted access to his lawyers.