"We chose to postpone Barzan and Awwad's execution to a later date because we wanted to have this day to have an historic distinction, " he said.

CNN: Hussein executed with 'fear in his face'

Two other co-defendants -- Barzan Hassan, Hussein's half-brother, and Awwad Bandar, the former chief judge of the Revolutionary Court -- were also found guilty and had been expected to face execution with Hussein, but Rubaie said their executions were postponed.

CNN: Hussein executed with 'fear in his face'