Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Saddam Trial Adjourned Until December 5

By VOA News
28 November 2005

An Iraqi judge has adjourned the trial of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and seven co-defendants until December 5.

The chief judge, Rizgar Mohammed Amin, said Monday he was granting the continuance so defendants can replace two defense lawyers who were assassinated earlier this month. A third lawyer was wounded and fled the country.

The trial resumed today after a five-week break. Television cameras showed defendants briefly arguing with the court, accusing the judge of presiding over a trial brought by Iraq's invaders.

Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark and former Qatari Justice Minister Najib al-Nueimi were present, just days after joining the defense team. Analysts say their presence is meant to bolster the team's international credibility.

When the trial resumes, prosecutors are expected to call witnesses to testify about the deaths of more than 140 Shi'ite villagers in Dujail, following an assassination attempt against Saddam in 1982.