Hussein in Iraqi Custody: A Victory for Rule of Law in a New Iraq

HUSSEIN IN IRAQI CUSTODY: A VICTORY FOR RULE OF LAW IN A NEW IRAQ

'Iraq is on a clear path to establishing a rule of law, not the rule of a tyrant'

WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Armed Services Committees, made the following statement Wednesday regarding the newly sovereign Iraq taking legal custody of former dictator Saddam Hussein:

"Establishment of the rule of law is one of the most critical factors in determining long-term prosperity, stability, and freedom in the new Iraqi state. Hussein's transfer, and the ongoing efforts of the tribunal, show that Iraq is on a clear path to establishing a rule of law, not the rule of a tyrant.

"Saddam Hussein is now a criminal defendant in an open judicial system-something that those who suffered under his regime were long denied. He will have a fair trial, and the Iraqi people will have the opportunity to bring him to justice for his crimes.

"Next year, Iraq will hold free and fair elections-a privilege of democracy the Iraqi people could only imagine under the tyrannical reign of Hussein. And while we don't yet know who the elected leaders will be, we can be sure that the future of Iraq depends on establishing the rule of law, expressed through a constitution and an independent judiciary. It is encouraging that among the first actions of the Iraqi government is the establishment of both. While leaders come and go, it is the law that guards our freedom."