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Saddam Trial to Resume on Monday, Defense Calls Case "Illegitimate"

Posted on: Monday, 28 November 2005, 12:00 CST

The trial against former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is set to resume on Monday, with Saddam's defense lawyers expected to argue that the trial should be adjourned on the basis that the court in which it is held is illegitimate as Iraq is not a sovereign state.

Defense attorney Ziad Al Najdawi told reporters, "Our presence at the trial does not mean we recognize it, because we believe Iraq lacks sovereignty,'', he added, "Our attendance is to guarantee that the procedures of the trial are just.''

Iraq's special tribunal has rejected the claim, as well as other claims by Saddam's defense.

Two former lawyers on the twelve-man defense team for Saddam were assassinated since the trial's beginning, sparking concern for the welfare of the remaining lawyers, as well as trial witnesses and judges presiding over the case.

As a result, according to Mercury News, special security measures have been implemented, including the relocation of some attorneys to neighboring Jordan or within Iraq's heavily fortified "green zone'.' In addition, Iraq's Ministry of Interior is currently paying the wages defense attorneys' bodyguards.

Saddam's attorneys, including his main attorney, Khalil Al Dulaimi, have argued that they had not been able to review materials in the case properly, partly due to security concerns.

Saddam and seven others are charged with their responsibility in the 1982 killings of nearly 150 people in the town of Dujail after an assassination attempt against the Iraqi leader.

Monday's hearing will be broadcast live on the American television station "Court TV." If convicted, Saddam could face the death penalty.

2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Source: Al Bawaba

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