The Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal found former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein guilty of committing crimes against humanity and sentenced him to death.

Hussein was sentenced to death by hanging, BBC World Service reported. Two Hussein associates were also sentenced to death, one received a life sentence and three more people got 15-year prison sentences.

Barzan al-Tikriti, Hussein’s half brother, and former chief judge Awad Hamed al-Bandar are the other two people sentenced to death.

Hussein was sentenced for the killing of 148 people in the mainly Shia town of Dujail in the 80s, Bulgarian National Radio reported.

Death sentences are automatically appealed. The enforcement of the sentences will be delayed at least by a month.

News agencies reported that upon the pronunciation of his death sentence Hussein shouted “God is great! Long live Iraq! Long live the Iraqi people! Down with traitors!”