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Saddam's Last Days Revealed

CNN tours the former dictator's US detention cell

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 27, 2008 2:10 PM CDT

(Newser) – The dictator who ruled with a murderous fist spent his time writing in his journal and tending to a small garden his captors allowed him in the prison courtyard. And on his execution day, the man known as "Vic" told guards to tell his daughter he was going to meet God with a clear conscience, a soldier for Iraq. CNN toured Saddam Hussein's detention cell, and reports these details of his last days.

Hussein’s cell is a small beige room, with a concrete slab to sleep on and a toilet. His writings reflect his despair as fighting raged around him. "You will feel suffocated under the skies. The days are now nights. No stars. No moon, but lots of screams,” reads one entry. But others are more reflective: "Dear nation: Get rid of the hatred, take the clothes of hate and throw it into the ocean of hatred."

Captured former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein undergoes medical examinations in Baghdad in this  Dec. 14, 2003 file photo,in this image from television.  (AP Photo/US Military via APTN-File)
Captured former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein undergoes medical examinations in Baghdad in this Dec. 14, 2003 file photo,in this image from television. (AP Photo/US Military via APTN-File)   (AP Photo)
This November 5, 2006 file photo shows a bailiff attempting to silence former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein during the delivery of his verdict.
This November 5, 2006 file photo shows a bailiff attempting to silence former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein during the delivery of his verdict.   (Getty Images)
A television screen grab shows the moments leading up to the execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein as he is prepared for hanging, on December 30, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq.
A television screen grab shows the moments leading up to the execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein as he is prepared for hanging, on December 30, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq.   (Getty Images)
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