Saddam trial defense lawyer found dead
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-10-21 19:45

Iraq Authorities in Baghdad confirm that the lawyer for one of Saddam Hussein's co-defendants has been found murdered.

The attorney (Saadoun Sughaiyer al-Janabi) was kidnapped from his office last night. His body, with two bullet holes, was found dumped near a Baghdad mosque today. He was representing the former head of Saddam's Revolutionary Court.

A top official with Iraq's lawyers' union says the victim's family confirmed he was found in the street near a Baghdad mosque.

Special security had been in place for prosecutors and judges at the trial to protect them from possible retaliation by Hussein's supports. But that protection apparently had not been extended to defense attorneys.

Saddam's trial began Wednesday -- but was recessed until next month.

The lawyer's union official predicts "grave repercussions" that will hinder lawyers from taking on political defendants.