Futile Defence

The defence team of Saddam Hussein are venting their spleens in public, about the futility of their task.

They are reportedly furious with the "politically motivated statements" by unnamed Iraqi officials, who talk about a quick execution if Saddam is found guilty.

Khalil Dulaimi, Saddam's chief lawyer, said:

"There is no chance of holding a just and honest trial in such an atmosphere and these verdicts appear to have been issued beforehand. It's futile to even have a defence".

Dulaimi went on to say that the Iraqi special court, that will try Saddam, had not notified the defence of the timing of the trial or sent any paperwork on the charge of killing 143 Shi'ite villagers after the failed assassination bid.

The defence believe that the Iraqi authorities want a quick trial, without charging Saddam with other crimes; these could implicate other Iraqi politicians, who currently hold power now.

It is also worth noting that there may be those in the USA who also back this stance, as a more protracted and detailed trail would highlight Washington's previous backing of Saddam.

Doubtless, those who want to see Saddam executed will get their way. However, those who want to see justice done, and all the crimes committed under Saddam's rule (by him and others, yet to be named) brought into the public arena may be disappointed.

Will justice be served, and will Iraq be healed by a Kangaroo court?