In 2010 legislation was passed removing that power from government ministers for the future, but it did not affect the Hindawi decision.

BBC: Undated file photo of Jordanian Nezar Hindawi

Hindawi became eligible for parole in 2001 after serving one third of his sentence, and must be released on parole no later than 2016.

BBC: Undated file photo of Jordanian Nezar Hindawi

Ibrahim Malik al-Hindawi, chief judge of Karkh Civil Court, was killed by gunfire from another vehicle as he drove through western Baghdad's Amriya neighborhood.

CNN: Rumsfeld in Baghdad on surprise visit