New Judge Takes Over

A new judge has taken over responsibility for the trial of Saddam Hussein.

Judge Rizgar Amin, who was in charge of the trial, resigned last week after complaining of interference; he has refused to attend the next hearing on January 24.

His deputy on the five-member bench, Sayeed al-Hamashi, will preside instead.

A permanent replacement will be appointed in due course, if Amin stays away.

Iraqi media have criticised Amin for allowing Saddam, and his co-defendants, to speak at length during the trial; and for allowing the trial to descend into farce.

We shall see if the replacement does nay better!