But in reading the charges, Abdel-Rahman appeared unconvinced by the argument so far. He underlined the women and children who died in the crackdown ¡ª reading their names repeatedly as he recited the charges against each defendant.

The prosecution has argued that the crackdown went far beyond the actual perpetrators of the shooting to punish the entire population of Dujail.

U.S. officials observing the court have said a verdict could come in August. If sentenced to death, the defendants would have the opportunity of appeal ¡ª raising the possibility of further months of legal proceedings.

The special tribunal is preparing to start a second trial against Saddam on genocide charges in a 1980s military campaign against the Kurds known as "Anfal" in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.