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.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Saddam The Musical
Itsuko Hirata, the Japanese translator of "Akuma No Dance (Devil's Dance)" a book (that went on sale this week) purportedly written by Saddam Hussein, has described Saddam as "misunderstood" and "delicate and tender."
Given that Saddam is facing war crimes charges, these are words that you would not normally associate with Saddam.
Hirata is quoted as saying:
"I think that Saddam Hussein was very much misunderstood. People think that he is tyrannical and rough with no education. But, if you read this book, you will understand how delicate and tender he really is."
The book tells the story of a tribe living along the Euphrates River 1,500 years ago, that defeats an invading tribe.
Saddam's daughter, Raghad, claims that her father finished the book just before the invasion of Iraq.
The book is being published in Japan.
Hirata said that it "should be made into a musical" and play "on Broadway."
Is he taking the piss?
Given that Saddam is facing war crimes charges, these are words that you would not normally associate with Saddam.
Hirata is quoted as saying:
"I think that Saddam Hussein was very much misunderstood. People think that he is tyrannical and rough with no education. But, if you read this book, you will understand how delicate and tender he really is."
The book tells the story of a tribe living along the Euphrates River 1,500 years ago, that defeats an invading tribe.
Saddam's daughter, Raghad, claims that her father finished the book just before the invasion of Iraq.
The book is being published in Japan.
Hirata said that it "should be made into a musical" and play "on Broadway."
Is he taking the piss?
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Saddam May Be Able To Aid His Co-Defendant
Saddam Hussein may be able to testify on behalf of his former vice president next week, after a plea was made by his defence team yesterday to allow Saddam to speak up for those charged with him of crimes against humanity.
Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman noted that Iraqi law normally forbids defendants from defending their co-accused. However, he said that he would consider the request.
Saddam has previously taken personal responsibility for all the actions of the Iraq state during his rule.
Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman adjourned the trial until Monday.
Next week testimony will be heard on behalf of Baathist judge Awad al-Bandar, former vice president Taha Yassin Ramadan, Saddam's half brother Barzan al-Tikriti and Saddam himself.
Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman noted that Iraqi law normally forbids defendants from defending their co-accused. However, he said that he would consider the request.
Saddam has previously taken personal responsibility for all the actions of the Iraq state during his rule.
Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman adjourned the trial until Monday.
Next week testimony will be heard on behalf of Baathist judge Awad al-Bandar, former vice president Taha Yassin Ramadan, Saddam's half brother Barzan al-Tikriti and Saddam himself.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Saddam Allowed To Attend His Own Trial
Saddam Hussein was allowed to attend his own trial today, contrary to yesterday's session where he was blocked by the judge from attending.
Chief judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman had rejected requests that all the defendants be allowed to attend on Tuesday, he said that their presence was not necessary.
However, today he changed his mind and told the court that all the defendants would be allowed to be present.
Witnesses on Tuesday and Wednesday were testifying on behalf of defendants Abdullah Kazim al-Ruwayyid and his son Mizhar, two local Baath Party officials accused of aiding the crackdown against Shiites in Dujail in 1982.
Three witnesses, two Dujail residents and a nephew of Abdullah al-Ruwayyid, told the court today that the al-Ruwayyids had nothing to do with the crackdown.
One Dujail resident said about Abdullah al-Ruwayyid:
"I saw him a month later, and never heard from any Dujail residents that he took part in any arrests with the security forces."
Saddam has argued that the crackdown was a legal response to the assassination attempt.
The trial continues.
Chief judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman had rejected requests that all the defendants be allowed to attend on Tuesday, he said that their presence was not necessary.
However, today he changed his mind and told the court that all the defendants would be allowed to be present.
Witnesses on Tuesday and Wednesday were testifying on behalf of defendants Abdullah Kazim al-Ruwayyid and his son Mizhar, two local Baath Party officials accused of aiding the crackdown against Shiites in Dujail in 1982.
Three witnesses, two Dujail residents and a nephew of Abdullah al-Ruwayyid, told the court today that the al-Ruwayyids had nothing to do with the crackdown.
One Dujail resident said about Abdullah al-Ruwayyid:
"I saw him a month later, and never heard from any Dujail residents that he took part in any arrests with the security forces."
Saddam has argued that the crackdown was a legal response to the assassination attempt.
The trial continues.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Trial Continues Today Without Saddam
The trial of Saddam Hussein continues today, with further defence witnesses appearing.
Saddam is not in court.
Chief Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman said witnesses for three other defendants in the case would take the stand during the session, all are former local officials of Saddam's Baath party.
Quote:
"The court will listen to the witnesses of the three defendants present. There are a number of witnesses and it may take up this session or even another one."
The defence team complained that Saddam, and some other defendants, had not been called to attend the session.
The judge dismissed their complaints saying:
"We let you attend so you can respond to anything the witnesses may say that affects your clients".
Saddam is not in court.
Chief Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman said witnesses for three other defendants in the case would take the stand during the session, all are former local officials of Saddam's Baath party.
Quote:
"The court will listen to the witnesses of the three defendants present. There are a number of witnesses and it may take up this session or even another one."
The defence team complained that Saddam, and some other defendants, had not been called to attend the session.
The judge dismissed their complaints saying:
"We let you attend so you can respond to anything the witnesses may say that affects your clients".
Monday, May 15, 2006
Saddam Refuses To Play Ball
The trial of Saddam Hussein has resumed, and true to form he has played to the gallery.
When the detailed charges were presented to Saddam, he refused to enter a plea and said:
"This is no way to treat the president of Iraq".
The Iraqi trial system allows the prosecution to outline its case first, which has happened, then the judge decides on the specific charges before the defence is allowed to present its case.
Chief Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman read out the charges:
"After allegations of coming under an assassination attempt, you issued orders to security forces and the army to arrest residents and use all weapons against them.
As a result for your orders to use force against Dujail residents, nine people were killed in the first two days...and 399 others were arrested."
Saddam retorted:
"I can't just say yes or no to this. You read all this for the sake of public consumption, and I can't answer it in brief.
You are before Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq. I am the president of Iraq according to the will of the Iraqis and I am still the president up to this moment."
The judge ordered that it be recorded that Saddam Hussein had denied the charges, and read out charges against the other defendants
Barzan al-Tikriti, Saddam's half brother and former head of the intelligence service, said:
"All you said are lies, everything you mentioned is a lie."
The defence is expected to take a month, unless there are delays and disruptions to the proceedings.
When the detailed charges were presented to Saddam, he refused to enter a plea and said:
"This is no way to treat the president of Iraq".
The Iraqi trial system allows the prosecution to outline its case first, which has happened, then the judge decides on the specific charges before the defence is allowed to present its case.
Chief Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman read out the charges:
"After allegations of coming under an assassination attempt, you issued orders to security forces and the army to arrest residents and use all weapons against them.
As a result for your orders to use force against Dujail residents, nine people were killed in the first two days...and 399 others were arrested."
Saddam retorted:
"I can't just say yes or no to this. You read all this for the sake of public consumption, and I can't answer it in brief.
You are before Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq. I am the president of Iraq according to the will of the Iraqis and I am still the president up to this moment."
The judge ordered that it be recorded that Saddam Hussein had denied the charges, and read out charges against the other defendants
Barzan al-Tikriti, Saddam's half brother and former head of the intelligence service, said:
"All you said are lies, everything you mentioned is a lie."
The defence is expected to take a month, unless there are delays and disruptions to the proceedings.
Friday, May 12, 2006
AWB Diplomatic Failure
The Cole inquiry in Australia into the AWB kickbacks scandal has been told by numerous diplomats that they were aware of allegations that Saddam Hussein had corrupted the UN oil-for-food program, but no one ordered an investigation.
In statements made to the inquiry, it seems that senior staff around the world were warned about kickbacks in 2000. However, no one acted because they believed that there was no evidence that AWB was involved and AWB denied being corrupt.
AWB paid over $290M in kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's regime through a Jordanian trucking company, Alia.
Australian diplomat Bronte Moules reportedly sent several diplomatic cables raising his concerns about corruption to officials in Canberra in 2000. However, strange as it may seem, very few people could recall reading them.
Shameful!
In statements made to the inquiry, it seems that senior staff around the world were warned about kickbacks in 2000. However, no one acted because they believed that there was no evidence that AWB was involved and AWB denied being corrupt.
AWB paid over $290M in kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's regime through a Jordanian trucking company, Alia.
Australian diplomat Bronte Moules reportedly sent several diplomatic cables raising his concerns about corruption to officials in Canberra in 2000. However, strange as it may seem, very few people could recall reading them.
Shameful!
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