BAGHDAD: On Monday Iraq executed Ali Hassan al-Majeed, the cousin of Saddam Hussein and henchman widely known as "Chemical Ali". He was executed for crimes against humanity.

"The death sentence against Ali Hassan al-Majeed has been carried out today," a government spokesperson said.

Majeed, who earned his nickname because of his use of poison gas, was executed by hanging, a government statement said.

He had received four death sentences, the last around a week ago for an attack on the Iraqi Kurdish town of Halabja in which thousands were killed.

The spokesperson said in the statement that Majeed was not subjected to any abuse during the execution.

"Everyone abided by the government's instructions and the convicted was not subjected to any breach, chanting, abuse words, or insults," he said.

It was not clear if Majeed was hanged before or after a series of coordinated suicide bombings close to well-known hotels in Baghdad in which more than 30 people died.

Majeed had a reputation for ruthlessness in crushing Saddam's opponents that won him widespread notoriety. Many Iraqis feared him more than the leader himself.

He was captured in August 2003, five months after US forces invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam.

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Todd Balazovic is a reporter for the Metro Section of China Daily. Born in Mineapolis Minnesota in the US, he graduated from Central Michigan University and has worked for China Daily for one year.