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Saddam lashes out at US as trial resumes
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-29 07:13
A combative Saddam Hussein lashed out Monday at his treatment by American
"occupiers and invaders" and lectured the chief judge about leadership as his
trial resumed in a rambling and unfocused session.
Two of the seven other defendants also spoke out during the 2 1/2-hour
hearing, complaining of their treatment in detention or dissatisfaction with
their court-appointed counsel.
Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, who has joined the defense team as
an advisor, said it was "extremely difficult" to assure fairness in the trial
"because the passions in the country are at a fever pitch."
Awad Hamed al-Bandar (front L), Saddam Hussein
(front R), Taha Yassin Ramadan (2nd row L), Abdullah Kazim Ruwayyid (2nd
row C), Mizhar Abdullah Ruwayyid (2nd row R), Mohammed Azawi Ali (back row
L), Ali Dayim Ali (back row C) and Barazan Ibrahim (back row R) sit during
their trial in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone November 28, 2005.
[Reuters] | "How can you ask a witness to come in
when there's a death threat?" Clark told CNN. "Unless there's protection for the
defense, I don't know how the trial can go forward."
The tribunal adjourned until Dec. 5, only 10 days before the country's
parliamentary elections, to give the defense time to replace lawyers who have
been assassinated since the trial opened Oct. 19. Monday was the trial's second
session.
The court's tolerance of vocal complaints from the defendants drew sharp
criticism from Shiite politicians who contend the tribunal is trying too hard to
accommodate an ousted dictator who should have already been convicted and
executed.
"The chief judge should be changed and replaced by someone who is strict and
courageous," said Shiite legislator Ali al-Adeeb, a senior official in Prime
Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari's party.
Presiding Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin speaks to
the court as the trial of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein resumes in
Baghdad November 28, 2005. [Reuters] | Saddam,
immaculately groomed and the only defendant wearing Western clothes, moved
quickly to try to seize control of the proceedings at the heavily guarded
Baghdad court.
Dressed in black trousers and a gray jacket with a white handkerchief in the
breast pocket, the 68-year-old former president was the last defendant to enter
the chamber.
While other defendants appeared frightened and exhausted, Saddam swaggered
confidently to his seat, greeting people along the way with the traditional
Arabic greeting, "Peace be upon the people of peace" as he cradled a copy of the
Quran.
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