Saddam Hussein, 7 Subordinates on Trial in Baghdad
Baghdad
19 October 2005
Iraq's long-time dictator Saddam Hussein went on trial for mass murder along with seven subordinates, but the deposed strongman, who faces the death penalty if convicted, immediately challenged the court. After hearing the charges the court adjourned until November 28.
Deposed President Saddam Hussein refused to give his name and instead questioned the legitimacy of the special court, saying he remains the true president of Iraq.
Saddam pleaded not guilty to charges of mass murder of 140 villagers in Dujail, north of Baghdad, after a failed assassination attempt 23 years ago. His lawyer said he would ask for a postponement to better prepare the defense.
It is the first of what are expected to be several trials of senior Iraqi officials for atrocities in which tens of thousands of people died.
But some analysts fear the trial will aggravate tensions between the Sunni Arab group, which dominated government under Saddam, and the Shiite Arab and Kurdish groups which gained power in elections following his overthrow.
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