Saddam's lawyers face obstacles to demands
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-14 21:05

Moving the trial to another country — assuming one could be found to accept it — would also require Iraq's parliament to amend the law that established the court. It states that the tribunal must have its seat in Iraq.

Government spokesman Laith Kubba said defense lawyers have twice turned down invitations to move to the heavily guarded Green Zone, where they could be protected by U.S. and other international troops. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani renewed that invitation last week.

Defense attorney Alani denied that protection was refused and said it is the duty of the United States as an occupying power to secure the safety of every individual. "They cannot protect themselves to start with. How can they offer what they haven't got?"

Even if Iraq favored relocating Saddam's trial, governments may be wary of hosting it because it could bring violence.

"Is Baghdad a war zone?" said Elise Groulx, president of the International Criminal Defense Attorneys Association. "That is a question that the judges and Iraqi government must answer."