Tariq Aziz, one of the senior members of Saddam Hussein's regime, took the stand today for the defence.
Aziz, allegedly in poor health, said that the attempt on Saddam's life in 1982 was part of a chain of criminal actions against the state and the government.
Aziz said that "no one is guilty of anything", and emphasised that the enforcing of the law by the government is not a crime.
Aziz also noted that if people in Dujail should be compensated for the destruction of their orchards during the crackdown, then the people in places like Falluja today where fighting has destroyed property should also be compensated.
Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman reopened today's session warning defence attorneys to act respectfully, noting Monday's fracas with one of the defence team.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Shouting Match
Monday saw a few more high jinks at Saddam Hussein's trial.
The chief judge told defence lawyer Bushra Khalil that she would be allowed to return to the court, after being removed from a session in April for arguing with the judge.
However, when she attempted to make a statement, the judge ordered her to "Sit down."
Protesting that she just waned to say one thing, chief judge Abdel-Rahman told the guards to take her away. Khalil pulled off her judicial robe and threw it on the floor in anger, then tried to push the guards who were grabbing her hands, shouting, "Get away from me.''
Saddam attempted to speak up for her, and was promptly silenced by the judge.
Saddam retorted:
"I'm Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq. I am above all."
Non plussed the judge snapped back:
"You are a defendant now, not a president."
Court was adjourned until Wednesday.
The chief judge told defence lawyer Bushra Khalil that she would be allowed to return to the court, after being removed from a session in April for arguing with the judge.
However, when she attempted to make a statement, the judge ordered her to "Sit down."
Protesting that she just waned to say one thing, chief judge Abdel-Rahman told the guards to take her away. Khalil pulled off her judicial robe and threw it on the floor in anger, then tried to push the guards who were grabbing her hands, shouting, "Get away from me.''
Saddam attempted to speak up for her, and was promptly silenced by the judge.
Saddam retorted:
"I'm Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq. I am above all."
Non plussed the judge snapped back:
"You are a defendant now, not a president."
Court was adjourned until Wednesday.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Saddam's Car Seized
It is reported that Saddam's Mercedes Benz has been seized by federal agents.
Federal customs agents seized the car from First Sergeant William von Zeal, an army reservist, who bought the car whilst serving in Iraq.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents said that the car, equipped with body armour,loudspeakers and hidden microphones, was being treated as a "possible war trophy".
The car was shipped through Jordan, Syria, Greece and to Spain before arriving in May 2004 in the United States. Von Zehle then repaired it, and parked it in his garage.
Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the car can shoot flames out its sides!
Maybe Saddam got the idea from the Batman and Robin TV series of the sixties, certainly a useful device to ease a traffic jam!
Federal agents are holding the car while investigating possible violations of federal smuggling laws, and an executive order barring the importation of property from the former Iraqi regime.
It seems a bit petty of them, especially as the car has been in the US since 2004 and the story widely reported quite some time ago.
Federal customs agents seized the car from First Sergeant William von Zeal, an army reservist, who bought the car whilst serving in Iraq.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents said that the car, equipped with body armour,loudspeakers and hidden microphones, was being treated as a "possible war trophy".
The car was shipped through Jordan, Syria, Greece and to Spain before arriving in May 2004 in the United States. Von Zehle then repaired it, and parked it in his garage.
Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the car can shoot flames out its sides!
Maybe Saddam got the idea from the Batman and Robin TV series of the sixties, certainly a useful device to ease a traffic jam!
Federal agents are holding the car while investigating possible violations of federal smuggling laws, and an executive order barring the importation of property from the former Iraqi regime.
It seems a bit petty of them, especially as the car has been in the US since 2004 and the story widely reported quite some time ago.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Synopsis
My thanks to Ann who pointed me in the direction of this clearly presented synopsis of the trial of Saddam Hussein, by The Week magazine.
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