Saddam trial resumes, defence team walks out

BAGHDAD: The trial of Saddam Hussein resumed under tight security in Baghdad on Monday, the third day of hearings since the halting proceedings began seven weeks ago.

 

After a 40-day adjournment to give the counsel more time to prepare a defence for the former president and seven associates accused of crimes against humanity, the judge had last week granted a further delay to find replacements for defence lawyers who had been assassinated or fled Iraq in fear of their lives.

 

Saddam's defence team, however, walked out of court in protest against the legality of the trial.

 

The ousted Iraqi dictator made a dramatic protest against the legitimacy of his trial, standing up and shouting ‘Long live Iraq’.