Hundreds mark Saddam death anniversary

AWJA, Iraq, (AFP) - Hundreds of Iraqis gathered at the tomb of late Saddam Hussein on Friday to commemorate the anniversary of his execution in 2006.
Throughout the day, they poured into the mausoleum in Saddams hometown of Awja where the ex-president and his two sons, Uday and Qusay, are buried.
Saddam was actually hanged on December 30, 2006, which marked that year the first day of Eidul Azha. This year the festival began on Friday, according to the Islamic calendar.
Every year, I visit Saddams tomb because he remains our father and big brother, said Abu Abbas, who was at the mausoleum with his wife and two children. He refused to give his real name out of fear for his safety.
Umm Barack, who read a prayer over Saddams grave and broke down in tears, told AFP that for her, Saddam is not dead and history will remember what those cowards did to him. Flowers were left at the tomb, where photos of the former president and his two sons are on display.