Iraq announced the hanging of Saadoun Sabri al-Qaisi, a former major general under Saddam Hussein convicted of grave crimes against humanity. The National Security Service reported al-Qaisi was arrested last year for his involvement in the 1980 killing of prominent Shiite cleric Mohammed Baqir al-Sadr and members of the al-Hakim family.

Al-Sadr emerged as a leading critic of Iraq's secular Baathist government following the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran. As Saddam feared a Shiite-led uprising, authorities arrested al-Sadr and his sister Bint al-Huda in 1980. Reports indicate they were tortured before execution on April 8, 1980, sparking widespread outrage that remains a symbol of repression under Saddam's rule.

Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, Iraqi authorities have pursued former officials accused of crimes against humanity. While these efforts address past atrocities, Iraq has drawn criticism from human rights groups over its application of the death penalty, raising questions about justice versus retribution in the country's post-Saddam judicial system.

Quick Fact: Al-Sadr was executed on April 8, 1980.