Trial of Saddam Resumes Monday
Barring another successful motion by the defense for a delay, the trial is expected to proceed uninterrupted for several days, with witnesses appearing in court for the first time under intense security restrictions.It is not clear how long the trial will last, but some officials have estimated it could go on for several months. With Iraq holding elections on Dec. 15, raising security risks, another trial delay ahead of then is widely expected.
Since the opening three-hour session in October, the five-judge panel trying the case has heard testimony from a hospitalized former intelligence chief who has since died. Defense lawyers did not attend that bedside session.
The chief judge, Rizgar Mohammed Amin, told Reuters after the first session that around 30 witnesses due to give evidence had refused to come to Baghdad from Dujail, where the attempt on Saddam’s life took place, because they feared for their lives.
Security, including a witness protection program, has been bolstered since then and several witnesses will appear on Monday, the U.S. official said, although he could not say how many. At least some are expected to give evidence from behind a screen to protect their identities.
If you want to get up at 4:00 a.m., for $5.95 a month you can watch it live on Court TV…
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