Saddam Hussein at his trial on 18 October
19 October 2005 -- The court trying ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein on charges of crimes against humanity started the trial today and then adjourned the case until 28 November.
Presiding Kurdish Judge Rizkar Muhammad Amin adjourned proceedings after Hussein's defense requested a three-month delay in the proceedings.
Hussein today pleaded not guilty to charges of crimes against humanity. He also refused to give his name to the judge, and said he does not recognize the authority of the court:
"I do not recognize the side that authorized or appointed you, or the aggression, because whatever is based on the false is false," Hussein told the court.
Hussein and seven of his former Ba'ath Party colleagues face charges of ordering the killing of more than 140 people from the mainly Shi'ite Muslim village of Al-Dujayl after a failed 1982 assassination attempt on Hussein in the town.
All of the defendants could be executed if found guilty.
(CNN/Reuters/AFP)
For the latest news and analysis on Iraq, see RFE/RL's webpage on "The New Iraq".
Hussein today pleaded not guilty to charges of crimes against humanity. He also refused to give his name to the judge, and said he does not recognize the authority of the court:
"I do not recognize the side that authorized or appointed you, or the aggression, because whatever is based on the false is false," Hussein told the court.
Hussein and seven of his former Ba'ath Party colleagues face charges of ordering the killing of more than 140 people from the mainly Shi'ite Muslim village of Al-Dujayl after a failed 1982 assassination attempt on Hussein in the town.
All of the defendants could be executed if found guilty.
(CNN/Reuters/AFP)
For the latest news and analysis on Iraq, see RFE/RL's webpage on "The New Iraq".