Hussein Would Prefer Firing Squad

Saddam Hussein in an earlier court appearance (epa) July 26, 2006 -- The ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein says he would prefer to be shot rather than hanged if he is found guilty on charges relating to the killing of 148 Shi'ite men and teenagers after an alleged attempt on his life in the town of Al-Dujayl in 1982.

Hussein was speaking after being brought to court from hospital.

Hussein was being treated for the effects of a hunger strike that he started to protest at what he says is an unfair trial and to demand greater security for this defense team. Three defense lawyers have been killed since the trail started.

The defense team for Hussein and his seven codefendants boycotted this latest court session.

Hussein told the court that he was brought there against his will and accused the U.S. military of force-feeding him to end his hunger strike, which he began on July 8.

(AP, Reuters)