Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Witnesses Testify In Hussein Trial

6 December 2005 -- The trial of deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein resumed today with testimony from witnesses about a massacre of Shi'ites during Saddam's rule 23 years ago.

Hussein began his day in court by greeting his seven co- defendants with the defiant phrase: "Good morning to all those who respect the law."

The court had to call a short break to sort out a technical problem over how an unidentified woman witness could best testify without her voice being recognized.

She later gave testimony about how she and other women were allegedly tortured in prison.

The trial on 5 December heard testimony from its first witness, who told the court of scenes of torture allegedly inflicted on people from the Shi'ite town of Al-Dujayl after Hussein survived an assassination attempt there in 1982.

Hussein dismissed the testimony, saying the case against him has been exaggerated and that he was not afraid to be executed if convicted.

Hussein and his co-defendants are on trial for crimes against humanity. They have all pleaded not guilty.

(compiled from agency reports)

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