Saddam Hussein graciously agreed to appear at his own trial today, despite the fact that he had been in hospital as a result of a 16 day hunger strike.
Needless to say he could not resist grandstanding, and complained that he had been brought to the court against his will. He then went on to reject the tribunal as an agent of the U.S. occupation.
Quote:
"The Americans insisted that I come against my will. This is not fair."
Saddam then went on to make a statement beginning with a verse from the Quran.
"If you were a real Iraqi, you would know that your country is going through extraordinary conditions.
We not only resist this occupation. We do not acknowledge it. We do not acknowledge all the decisions it has made, including appointing the so-called government and this court you represent."
Chief Judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman interrupted, and noted that Saddam was talking nonsense:
"You were not brought here against your will. Here's the medical report and it indicates that you are in good shape."
To which Saddam retorted:
"I didn't say I was ill, I was on a hunger strike."
Saddam then objected to having a court-appointed attorney deliver the final summation on his behalf. It should be noted that his regular defence team have boycotted the proceedings.
The judge was having none of that:
"Where are your lawyers?
They're staying outside in front of the TV screens and inciting violence. Those are lawyers? Having millions of dinars? Listen Saddam Hussein, your lawyers have millions of dinars and are inciting violence."
Saddam then decided to interrupt the lawyer:
"You are my enemy. Who appointed you?
I challenge you to read this on your own. He probably didn't even write this. The American agent, the spy probably wrote this for him."
Despite the delaying tactics, and the amateur theatricals, the wheels of justice continue to turn. The court is expected to adjourn following final summations for all of the eight defendants and then render a verdict, this is expected to be by mid-August.
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