In the topsy turvy world of Saddam Hussein's trial, nothing is ever certain. On Monday Saddam's lawyers boycotted the trail, protesting at state interference, having vented his spleen in court about the absence of his defence team:
"I don't want to be in this cage any more".
Saddam was duly ejected on Monday, only to return today to be given a lecture on judicial ethics.
Judge Al-Khalifa opened the hearing by saying:
"You are a defendant here. You have rights and obligations.
You can defend yourself, question witnesses and I am ready to allow you (to do so), but this is a court, not a political arena.
By disrespecting the court, you are only damaging your cause."
Saddam asked for permission to respond, on being given permission, he started to read a prepared statement.
However, the judge interrupted, saying he would not allow him to read the statement "if it was the same letter I received from you."
Saddam, as is his wont, duly ignored the judge. The judge countered by allowing Saddam to read the statement, but with his microphones cut off.
The trial, with a court appointed defence team, continues.
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