A small group of Iraqis - including a representative of the prime minister - witnessed the execution at 0600 (0300GMT) on Saturday in a concrete-lined chamber in Khadimiya.

Iraqi National Security Adviser Mouwafak al-Rubaie told the BBC the former leader went to the gallows quietly: “He was saying some few slogans. He was very, very, very, broken.”

However, new images of the execution apparently shot on a mobile phone and aired on some Arab television channels and internet sites, show a more defiant Saddam.

Unlike the official Iraqi videotape of his final moments, the new pictures are accompanied by the sound of Saddam Hussein responding to taunts from those present.

One of the onlookers is heard telling the former Iraqi leader that he destroyed Iraq and was going straight to hell.

Saddam Hussein appeared to smile at those taunting him from below the gallows. He said they were not showing manhood.

He is then heard citing verses from the Koran before the trapdoor opened.