A video filmed by someone watching the execution of Saddam Hussein has spread like wildfire on the Net and has embarassed the US and the authorities in Baghdad.
In the grainy video, Saddam is taunted by one of those present at the execution by shouting, "Moqtada! Moqtada! Moqtada!" for Shia militia leader Moqtada-al-Sadr.
Saddam by contrast looks dignified on the gallows and replies, "Is this what you call manhood?"
The footage ends with Saddam falling through the trap-door and dying amid shouts from the crowd.
This has angered Sunnis and embarassed moderate Shias and Turks. Iraq has launched a probe into the video.
The British Deputy Prime Minister, Mr John Prescott, has condemed the manner of execution and called for action against whoever was responsible for it. He told the BBC, "I think the manner was quite deplorable relly." Asked if he held the Iraqi Government responsible, Mr Prescott said whoever was behind it should be "ashamed". "I don't think anyone can endorse it whatever your view on capital punishment," he said.
Here is the footage of the video:
