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Closing arguments in Saddam trial |
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Monday, 19 June 2006The trial of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and seven co-defendants has resumed in Baghdad with the prosecution beginning its closing arguments.
All the defendants were in the dock as proceedings began.
Final defence arguments are scheduled for 10 July, then the five-judge panel will consider its verdict.
The defendants are being tried for crimes against humanity in connection with the deaths of 148 Shia Muslim villagers in the 1980s.
The defendants are accused of launching a crackdown in the village of Dujail after a failed assassination attempt on Saddam Hussein.
They deny all the charges but could face death by hanging if found guilty.
Marred
As proceedings got under way on Monday, defendant Barzan al-Tikriti, Saddam Hussein's half-brother, tried to interrupt Chief Judge Rauf Abdel Rahman several times.
The judge told him he would be able to speak after the prosecution had concluded its arguments.
The trial has so far lasted eight months and has been criticised by international legal experts.
Some said the defence had been given a disproportionately short period to present its witnesses.
The trial has also been marred by the killing of two defence lawyers and the resignation of the first chief judge in January.
BBC News
June 19, 2006 |
Monday, 19 June 2006
Iraq
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