Saddam argues with judge as his trial resumes (AP) Updated: 2005-11-28 20:33
Saddam, wearing a white shirt and dark jacket, then argued with the judge
about his rights and the fact his jailers had taken a pen and piece of paper
away from him. As his voice rose heatedly, television footage of the proceedings
broke away and the sound was cut.
The images are being broadcast by U.S. company Court TV with a 30-minute
delay to allow officials to interrupt the footage if anything they do not
approve of is shown.
Following the assassination of two defense lawyers shortly after the first
court session in October, security for the trial was exceptionally tight. The TV
footage is not showing the faces of any of the defense lawyers and only one of
the five judges.
Around two hours before the trial resumed, a mortar landed in the "green
zone," the area where the court is based, underlining security risks. No one was
injured.
Saddam and his co-defendants are charged with crimes against humanity in
relation to the deaths of 148 Shi'ite men from the town of Dujail, north of
Baghdad, after an attempt to kill him in July 1982.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty. They could face
death by hanging if convicted.
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