Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti

Barzan Ibrahim Hassan al-Tikriti, born on February 17, 1951, was a prominent Iraqi politician and diplomat, best known for his role as the head of the Iraqi Intelligence Service, or Mukhabarat. As one of the half-brothers of Saddam Hussein, Barzan's influence in the political landscape of Iraq was significant, particularly during the tumultuous years of the late twentieth century.

Throughout his tenure, Barzan was notorious for his involvement in the suppression of dissent, often ordering the elimination of political opponents. His close relationship with Saddam Hussein allowed him to wield considerable power, although he experienced periods of estrangement from the regime. Despite these fluctuations in favor, he remained a key adviser to the president, especially leading up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Barzan's life came to a tragic end on January 15, 2007, when he was executed by hanging for crimes against humanity. The execution was marred by controversy, as errors in calculating his body weight and the length of the drop resulted in a gruesome death, highlighting the chaotic nature of justice in post-Saddam Iraq.