John Bellinger, State Department legal adviser, said in a briefing in Washington on the 15th that Iraqi officials need the world's help to document the abuses of Saddam Hussein's regime.
Quote:
"This is a process that the Iraqis want to do themselves. They have experienced judges who are leading this process".
Bellinger claims that Iraq needs forensic experts to investigate mass grave sites, support for witness interviews and protection and legal experts to advise prosecutors.
Bellinger said that the Iraqi Special Tribunal originally mandated the assignment of international advisers to the court, but few countries have stepped forward to join the United States in that role.
Bellinger is quoted as saying:
"The international community has essentially turned its back on justice and accountability in Iraq."
It seems as though Washington is becoming worried about the handling of the trial, and the negative impact that it will have in the US.
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