Khalil al-Dulaymi, defense lawyer for Saddam Hussein (file photo) (epa)
April 19, 2006 -- The trial of Saddam Hussein has again heard claims that the former Iraqi leader's handwriting was on execution orders dating from the 1980s.
Chief judge Ra'uf Rashid Abd al-Rahman, speaking as the trial resumed today, read out an expert's report that stated the documents had Hussein's signature and handwriting.
However, Hussein's defense lawyer, Khalil al-Dulaymi, cast doubt on the reliability of evidence. Citing "the lack of expertise and equipment in the Iraqi criminal investigation" team, he called for a "commission of international experts" to be set up.
On April 17, Hussein refused to confirm or deny his signature was on the documents.
Hussein and seven co-defendants are on trial for the deaths of 148 Shi'a following an attempt on the former Iraqi leader's life in 1982. They could be hanged if found guilty.
(Reuters, AP)
RFE/RL Iraq Report
RFE/RL Iraq Report