The German government on Thursday criticized US President George W. Bush for his hint that Saddam Hussein should receive the death penalty, calling for a fair trial for the former Iraqi leader.  

"I don't generally regard proclamations anticipating the results of a legal procedure to be smart," spokesman for Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said.

The remarks were made following Bush's comments on Tuesday that Saddam deserves the "ultimate penalty" for his reign in Iraq.

The hint drew severe criticism both from the German government and opposition parties.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2003)