Saddam Pleads Not Guilty

As day one of Saddam Hussein's trial began, he has entered a plea of not guilty.

In a bravura performance Saddam questioned the validity of the court, pleaded not guilty and told the presiding judge:

"Who are you? What does this court want?"

All of the 8 defendants pleaded not guilty to charges of ordering the killing of 143 Shia men in 1982.

The trial was adjourned until 28 November, after just three hours.

Saddam's defence team requested a postponement, in order to prepare their case. However, the chief judge contradicted this by noting that witnesses had not shown up.

Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin said:

"They were too scared to be public witnesses. We're going to work on this issue for the next sessions."

The trial was held in the ex National Command Headquarters of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party.

As he was led into the court, Saddam gestured to slow them down.

When asked to confirm his name by the chief judge, Saddam refused.

Quote:

"I preserve my constitutional rights as the president of Iraq. I do not recognise the body that has authorised you and I don't recognise this aggression.

What is based on injustice is unjust ... I do not respond to this so-called court, with all due respect."

As the trial adjourned, Saddam became involved in a scuffle (probably staged for media benefit) with the guards who wanted to grab his arms to escort his out.

If the Iraqis and Americans had hoped for a bloodied and bowed performance, they will have been severely disappointed.