Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International condemned the execution. Human Rights Watch says the execution marks a significant step away from respect for human rights and the rule of law in Iraq. The Vatican also criticized the hanging.

Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi: “The killing of the guilty is not the way to rebuild justice and reconcile society. There is, rather, the risk that putting the guilty to death might fuel the spirit of vengeance and sow the seeds of new violence.”

Australian Prime Minister John Howard defended the execution.

John Howard: “The real significance is that this man has been given a proper trial, due process was followed. It was an appeal that’s been dismissed, and he has been dealt with in accordance with the law of Iraq.”

In Jordan, protests have occurred over the past three days. Hussein’s eldest daughter, Raghad, joined hundreds of people in a demonstration in Amman.

Jordanian opposition figure Laith Shubeilat: “The Arab world is really mad. He is the only Arab leader who said no to the Americans. He’s a unique leader. He’s a leader who considered the riches of Iraq as the riches of all the Arab nation. He distributed help and aid to all the Arab people, and he stood with all the leaders who now turned their back to him. He is considered to be the leader of this nation, the Arab nation, and our leaders unfortunately are way, way, way on the other side.”