Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, Iraqi intelligence officer (b. 1951)

Barzan Ibrahim Hassan al-Tikriti (Arabic: برزان إبراهيم الحسن التكريتي), born on 17 February 1951, was a prominent figure within Saddam Hussein's regime, serving as one of the dictator's three half-brothers. He was also widely known by variations of his name, including Barazan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, Barasan Ibrahem Alhassen, and Barzan Hassan, reflecting his deep roots within the powerful Al-Bu Nasir tribal confederation from Tikrit, Saddam's hometown.

Role as a Pillar of Saddam's Regime

Barzan Ibrahim held a pivotal and often feared position as the head of the Mukhabarat, Iraq's notorious intelligence service, from 1979 until 1983. During his tenure, the Mukhabarat functioned as the primary instrument for enforcing internal security, suppressing dissent, and maintaining the iron grip of the Ba'ath Party. This period was marked by extensive surveillance, arbitrary arrests, torture, and assassinations of perceived opponents to Saddam's rule, both domestically and internationally. The agency played a critical role in consolidating Saddam's power and eliminating any opposition to his authoritarian regime.

A Complex Relationship: Periods of Influence and Exile

Despite his initial closeness and significant power, Barzan Ibrahim's relationship with Saddam Hussein was not without its complexities and periods of strain. He notably fell out of favour with Saddam in 1983, a development widely attributed to disagreements over family matters, particularly the succession or marriages within the ruling elite, and reportedly his disapproval of Saddam's son Uday Hussein's behavior. This led to his effective exile, where he served as Iraq's permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1983 to 1991. During this time, he was also believed to have managed a significant portion of Saddam's personal finances held abroad.

However, Barzan eventually regained a measure of influence within the regime after the 1991 Gulf War. Upon his return to Iraq, he resumed a role as a trusted and close presidential adviser, particularly on intelligence and financial matters, underscoring the enduring, if sometimes tumultuous, nature of his familial ties and the importance of his counsel to Saddam.

Capture, Trial, and Conviction for Crimes Against Humanity

Following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti was among the high-ranking officials targeted for capture. He was apprehended by U.S. Special Forces in Baghdad on 17 April 2003. Subsequently, he faced charges brought by the Iraqi High Tribunal (formerly the Iraqi Special Tribunal), established to prosecute members of the former Ba'athist regime for grave offenses. The most prominent charge against him, and for which he was ultimately convicted, was his role in the 1982 Dujail massacre. This heinous event involved the retaliatory killing of over 140 Shi'ite men and boys from the village of Dujail, following a failed assassination attempt on Saddam Hussein.

On 5 November 2006, Barzan Ibrahim was found guilty of crimes against humanity for his involvement in the Dujail killings and sentenced to death by hanging. His conviction underscored the accountability for atrocities committed under the Ba'athist regime.

Controversial Execution and Aftermath

Barzan Ibrahim Hassan al-Tikriti's execution by hanging took place on 15 January 2007. He was executed alongside Awad Hamed al-Bandar, the former chief judge of Saddam's Revolutionary Court, both convicted for their roles in the Dujail massacre. Saddam Hussein himself had been executed just weeks earlier, on 30 December 2006.

The execution of Barzan Ibrahim was marred by a highly controversial and unforeseen incident: he was decapitated by the hangman's rope. This horrific outcome was attributed to significant errors made in calculating his body weight and the precise length of the drop from the gallows platform. The decapitation, captured on unofficial video and widely circulated, sparked immediate international condemnation and further fueled debates about the execution process in Iraq, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and various governments worldwide regarding the dignity of judicial punishment and the competence of the execution procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti

Who was Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti?

Barzan Ibrahim Hassan al-Tikriti was one of Saddam Hussein's three half-brothers and a powerful figure in the Iraqi regime. He led the notorious Mukhabarat intelligence service and later served as a close presidential adviser.

What was the Mukhabarat?

The Mukhabarat was the primary intelligence service of Saddam Hussein's Iraq, known for its brutal suppression of dissent, surveillance, torture, and extrajudicial killings to maintain the Ba'ath Party's control.

Why was Barzan Ibrahim exiled from Iraq?

Barzan Ibrahim was exiled from 1983 to 1991, serving as Iraq's UN representative in Geneva. His exile was reportedly due to disagreements with Saddam, particularly concerning family matters and the behavior of Saddam's son, Uday Hussein.

For what crimes was Barzan Ibrahim convicted?

He was convicted by the Iraqi High Tribunal for crimes against humanity, specifically for his role in the 1982 Dujail massacre, where over 140 Shi'ite villagers were killed in retaliation for an assassination attempt on Saddam Hussein.

What was controversial about his execution?

Barzan Ibrahim was decapitated during his hanging on January 15, 2007, due to errors in calculating the drop length and his body weight. This botched execution drew widespread international condemnation.