“Terrorists” kill top Saddam lawyer: state TV

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – One of Saddam Hussein’s chief defense
lawyers, Khamis al-Obaidi, has been killed by “terrorists,”
Iraqiya state television said on Wednesday.

It gave no details.

Obaidi is the third defense team lawyer to be killed since
the trial against Saddam and seven co-accused on charges of
crimes against humanity began in October.

The killing came two days after the chief prosecutor
demanded a death penalty for Saddam and three of his former top
aides for their roles in a crackdown on Shi’ite villagers
following a 1982 attempt on the ousted leader’s life.