About this Video

• Video Title: When Saddam Hussein held a public purge
• Channel: Penguin History
• Speakers: Narrator
• Duration: 00:06:01

Introduction

This video details a public purge conducted by Saddam Hussein shortly after becoming president of Iraq in 1979. It describes how Hussein orchestrated a theatrical confession from a high-ranking party member who had allegedly plotted against him, followed by a public execution of those named as conspirators.

Key Takeaways

• Public Show of Power: Saddam Hussein used a public event to eliminate political rivals, demonstrating his absolute authority and ruthlessness.
• Forced Confession: A high-ranking official, Muhi ADC Hussein, was forced to confess to a plot against Saddam under duress, his family's safety being threatened.
• Public Executions: Following the confession, 68 individuals were publicly named, forced to leave the venue, and subsequently executed. This served as a brutal warning to any potential opposition.
• Theatrical Setting: The purge was staged in a theater hall, highlighting the calculated and theatrical nature of Hussein’s actions.
• Show of Loyalty: The remaining party members' enthusiastic applause and displays of loyalty after the event underscored the pervasive fear and control maintained by Hussein's regime.