The broadcast regulator confirmed it was investigating complaints made about the footage, which was used in BBC, ITV and Sky News broadcasts.
The footage showed the now-controversial hanging of former Iraq dictator Saddam Hussein in a prison in Baghdad for crimes against humanity on December 30. Footage was shot by the Iraqi government and released to the media but stopped short of showing the actual execution.
Further footage of the hanging was illegally shot on a mobile phone and put on the internet. A prison guard present at the execution has been questioned by Iraqi authorities about the mobile movie.
The mobile footage, which is available on , shows Saddam Hussein being marched to a gallows by masked Shia executors who taunt and shout insults at the dictator before putting a rope around his neck and dropping him to his death.
It is understood that the 30 complaints received by Ofcom about the TV footage centre on grounds of harm and offence, and privacy. Under the Ofcom code "broadcasters must ensure material which may cause offence is justified by the context", and the code advises that reports should not violate human dignity.
The decision by news channels to broadcast footage of Saddam Hussein's last moments before hanging has been condemned by some media commentators.
Ofcom declined to comment further on the investigation because it was now active.
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