Saddam before Iraqi Judges again

23/07/2005| IslamWeb

An Arabic language station has released a video of what it claims is Saddam Hussein's most recent appearance before Iraq's war crimes tribunal.

In it the former Iraqi president responds to questioning about the oppression of minority Kurds.

Saddam has already been charged in connection with the killings of 150 Shi'ite men following a failed attempt to assassinate him in 1982.

These latest proceedings apparently relate to the maltreatment of Faili Kurds, a minority Shi'ite sect within the mostly Sunni Muslim Kurdish population.

On several occasions Saddam is heard responding sharply to questions. At one point he complains of not having had sufficient access to his lawyer.

A trial date on the first charges is expected to be announced soon. If convicted Saddam could face the death penalty.

PHOTO CAPTION

A viewer watches the latest video release of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, being shown on an Arab news satellite channel in Baghdad. Hussein was being interrogated by an investigating judge over crimes against Shiite Kurds.(AFP)