Hussein Tells Court He Was Tortured

The former Iraqi leader told the court he was tortured while in U.S. custody (epa) 21 December 2005 -- Saddam Hussein says he has been beaten and tortured while in U.S. custody and still has the marks on his body.

The former Iraqi leader made the allegations during his trial today on charges of crimes against humanity. He did not say who allegedly beat him.

Hussein and seven others are charged with ordering the killing of 148 Shi'ites following a failed attempt to assassinate the former Iraqi leader in 1982.

Earlier today, a witness told the court that Hussein's half-brother, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, had eaten grapes while supervising torture sessions. He countered that his hands were "as clean as those of Moses."

(agencies)