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Your e-mails: 'More of a lynching than an execution'

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(CNN) -- Saddam Hussein was executed Saturday for his role in the 1982 massacre of Shiite villagers in Dujail.

We asked CNN.com readers what they thought of the execution. Hundreds of our readers from around the globe have responded.

Here is a selection of their latest responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity.

Juan Manuel Lleras of Bogota, Colombia

Saddam Hussein was a criminal and a murderer. However, the death penalty is also a criminal violation of human rights. Looking at Hussein being harassed by the Shiite executioners in his last minutes is a shameful scene and a dishonor for the Iraqi government. I would have preferred to have had Hussein waiting the long years of a life sentence, reflecting in all his crimes instead of making him a martyr for the Sunni Arabs.

M.C. Land of Stuttgart, Germany

I'm sure his victims were all given the same opportunity for a trial, appeal process, and last wishes along with the proper burial Hussein received. Justice is served, despite the unprofessional behavior of his executioner/witnesses. "People," like Hussein, are the reason capital punishment is still acceptable in my opinion.

Melanie Yates of Rosedale, Virginia

I think Saddam Hussein's hanging was done with dignity. He was certainly kept well during his trial, and looked much better than he did coming out of his spider hole. If it had been an open street hanging I doubt he would have gotten a more dignified death sentence. I do not think the Sunnis would be satisfied with any form of his death.

Larry Rymal of Huntville, Texas

I think he should have been placed in solitary till his graveside visit. But, the manner, or atmosphere of his execution was horrid. To me, this rates as a major mistake, similar to when our troops hoisted the American flag on the statute in Baghdad during the first days of our arrival in the city.

Roberto Escobar of Brownsville, Texas

I feel very numb about the whole thing. I thought I would feel some kind of satisfaction at the fate of Saddam Hussein, but after seeing the video and pictures of the execution, I feel my point of view towards executions changing. I don't feel any comfort or satisfaction.

Sezi Demirkilic of Greenville, South Carolina

As a Sunni Muslim who is also American I am very disturbed by what took place with Saddam Hussein's execution. If someone is found guilty of crimes they have committed and they are condemned to die. Their punishment should be carried out in a proper manner. Obviously the so called "execution" of Saddam Hussein is more of a "lynching."

Marilyn Hartman of Haifa, Israel

I think that Saddam was rotten to the core and got what he deserved until I kept seeing both videos, over and over and over again and in the end, with the translation. Believe it or not, I began to feel sorry for the guy. I think that over exposure of any topic is not beneficial and gets the wrong message across. I think you news people should be made aware of this.

Elena Garcia of Madrid, Spain

There is a debate/argument going around my circles in Madrid, Spain at my work place about whether Hussein's execution was made with justice or vengeance. They said it was revenge rather than justice the way his execution was carried out by their executioners, insulting him etc. I personally think there has been justice and very justified revenge in the undignified way he died after what that monster did in life, he did not deserve to die with dignity.

D. Drummond of Montgomery, Alabama

Saddam Hussein was a criminal and was executed as such. In my opinion, hanging is a barbaric form of punishment and needs to be outlawed... Maybe with this tyrant dead, some of these pre-historic forms of punishment can die as well.

Robert Westfall of Alamogordo, New Mexico

I think Saddam Hussein got off very lucky. He should have been thanking God that he was not tortured in the same way as so many people ruled over. He was a monster, and he was treated mercifully.

Ron Clarke of Hanmer, Ontario

The execution (a rush to judgment) was just like the USA's "rush to war" attitude. America, you should be ashamed at the democracy you are trying to achieve in Iraq.

Mary Zoeter of Alexandria, Virginia

The death penalty is an exercise in barbarism. I do not believe that killing Saddam will bring stability to Iraq.

Linda Guevara of San Antonio, Texas

I say he got what he deserved, and as for the way it was done, I believe it was done in a much more humane way than the methods he used to kill people under his dictatorship.

Fred Wainwright of Orange Park, Florida

Hussein's execution was the ruling of Iraq's court. However, no matter how anyone feels it should have been done with dignity. Taking one's life should not have created a circus for those in attendance.

Shirley Jackson of Portland, Oregon

Saddam Hussein was an evil, murderous dictator who got exactly what he deserved. I will never understand these anti-death penalty people. They talk as if they wish Hussein were still alive so he can kill more people!

E. Coffey of Baker, Florida

It was carried out quickly and I think that is a good thing. There was no reason what so ever to drag it out. The person got what he had coming to him. Justice was done.

Jon Wilson of Albany, Georgia

He appeared to die quickly and he seemed confident in his last moments. Even though he was a murderer, tyrant, and psychopath, I think the video was disgusting... It was like one of those real subtle horror movies with poor filming, broken dialogue, and blackout moments. Weird.

Jennifer Hanson of Atlanta, Georgia

This is horrendous and against basic human dignity. The U.S. and its partners in Iraq proved to be more savage than Hussein himself. They made him a hero overnight in the eyes of many -- especially in the Arab world.

Shakil Khan of Herndon, Virginia

I think his execution was what that cunning and cruel guy deserved, but he should not have been executed a day before holy Eid. That might make him a hero in the eyes of Sunni Muslims.

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