Iraqi Prosecutors Show Memos Linking Saddam to Chemical Attacks
19 December 2006
Prosecutors in the genocide trial of Saddam Hussein presented at least 12 documents and series of short videotapes allegedly linking the former Iraqi leader to chemical attacks against Kurds.
The evidence presented in the court in Baghdad Tuesday, includes official memorandums directing military commanders operating in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq to use what were described as "special weapons" against "saboteurs and "enemies."
The prosecution says the special weapons were mustard gas and sarin gas, and the documents were marked "top secret," dated during several months of 1988, during the period of March-April and June-August.
Videotapes presented to the court showed victims of what the prosecution called "chemical bombings" in the military operation - code named Operation Anfal.
Saddam and his six co-defendants insist the campaign was a legitimate counter-insurgency operation against Kurdish militias they say sided with Iran during the 1980 to 1988 Iran-Iraq war.
Saddam and his cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid - also known as Chemical Ali - are charged with genocide. They face the death penalty if convicted.
A separate court sentenced Saddam to death last month for his role in the execution of 148 Shi'ites in the village of Dujail in revenge for an assassination attempt against him there in 1982.
Saddam's lawyers have filed an appeal.
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