The genocide trial of six former Iraqi officials is due to resume in Baghdad without their co-defendant Saddam Hussein, who was hanged on 30 December.

Saddam Hussein and the others were charged with crimes against humanity over a campaign against Iraqi Kurds in the 1980s that left 100,000 dead.

Saddam Hussein was hanged after an earlier trial over the killing of Shias in the town of Dujail.

It is not known if he is still a defendant in the second case.

No official confirmation has come from the Iraqi authorities that the charges over the so -called Anfal campaign against the Kurds have been dismissed against Saddam Hussein.

However, one US official close to the special Iraqi court told AFP news agency the former leader was no longer an accused.

"Saddam is dead. From what I understand of law, the case is over against him," the official said.

Internet images

The six remaining defendants, including Saddam Hussein's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid, deny charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

The defense argues the campaign was a legitimate operation to quell a rebellion after some Kurds sided with the enemy during the Iran-Iraq war.

The trial has been in recess since 21 December.

Its resumption will throw the spotlight back on the Iraqi judicial system which has come under international criticism for the handling of Saddam Hussein's execution.

The former leader was taunted at the gallows and illicit images of his execution later appeared on the internet.

The UN has called for a stay of execution for two others sentenced to death in the Dujail trial.

But the Iraqi government says the execution of Barzan al-Tikriti and Awad al-Bandar will take place this week.

Photo caption

Defendant Ali Hassan Al-Majid, Saddam's cousin