William Shaoul Benjamin, of Los Angeles USA, who has been accused of collecting intelligence for Saddam Hussein's regime during the 1990's was indicted on charges of failing to register as an agent of a foreign government.
Benjamin also faces charges of making false statements and conspiracy.
Benjamin has pleaded not guilty, and has been released on a $500,000 bond with electric monitoring.
Codenamed "9211" Benjamin allegedly worked with the Iraqi Intelligence Service between 1993 and 2001. He is accused of infiltrating groups and organisations deemed to be hostile to Saddam's government.
He also allegedly traveled to Iraq to train with intelligence officers.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Chief Judge Replaced
Abdullah al-Amiri, the chief judge in Saddam Hussein's trail, has been removed as complaints against his "softness" towards Saddam won the day.
Wednesday saw Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, a Shiite Muslim Arab, presiding which in itself caused a walkout of Saddam's defence team.
Defence lawyer Wadoud Fawzi said:
"We don't expect from this court established under the occupation authorities to be fair, so we decided to withdraw from this trial
The decision to sack the judge at the orders of the government shows that this trial lacks the standards of a fair trial."
Al-Khalifa said that replacing the chief judge was an "administrative matter." When the lawyers protested, the judge said the court would appoint new counsel.
Saddam then said that he wanted his lawyers to stay:
"This is our personal right.
You must deal with us as the law dictates."
Al-Khalifa asked him to stop talking, Saddam refused and was ejected from the courtroom.
However, as he was being ejected Saddam said:
"Your father was in the security and he went on working as a sergeant in the security (forces) until the fall of Baghdad."
"I challenge you in front of the public if this is the case." al-Khalifa shouted back.
Saddam's cousin "Chemical" Ali al-Majid said:
"I'll stay, but I'll decline to say anything or defend myself and I'll gladly accept any verdict, even if it's the death penalty."
The New York-based Human Rights Watch said it was "very concerned" about al-Amiri's removal.
Quote:
"This appears to be improper interference in the independence of the tribunal, and may greatly damage the court."
I have said it before, and will say it again, if justice is to be seen to be done Saddam should have been tried in a similar manner to the Nuremberg trials.
Wednesday saw Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, a Shiite Muslim Arab, presiding which in itself caused a walkout of Saddam's defence team.
Defence lawyer Wadoud Fawzi said:
"We don't expect from this court established under the occupation authorities to be fair, so we decided to withdraw from this trial
The decision to sack the judge at the orders of the government shows that this trial lacks the standards of a fair trial."
Al-Khalifa said that replacing the chief judge was an "administrative matter." When the lawyers protested, the judge said the court would appoint new counsel.
Saddam then said that he wanted his lawyers to stay:
"This is our personal right.
You must deal with us as the law dictates."
Al-Khalifa asked him to stop talking, Saddam refused and was ejected from the courtroom.
However, as he was being ejected Saddam said:
"Your father was in the security and he went on working as a sergeant in the security (forces) until the fall of Baghdad."
"I challenge you in front of the public if this is the case." al-Khalifa shouted back.
Saddam's cousin "Chemical" Ali al-Majid said:
"I'll stay, but I'll decline to say anything or defend myself and I'll gladly accept any verdict, even if it's the death penalty."
The New York-based Human Rights Watch said it was "very concerned" about al-Amiri's removal.
Quote:
"This appears to be improper interference in the independence of the tribunal, and may greatly damage the court."
I have said it before, and will say it again, if justice is to be seen to be done Saddam should have been tried in a similar manner to the Nuremberg trials.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
UN Warns of Civil War
The United Nations secretary-general, Kofi Annan, has warned that Iraq is in danger of descending into full scale civil war. They are pretty well already suffering from limited scale civil war at the moment.
Quote:
"Iraq and its leaders are now at an important crossroads. If they can address the needs and common interests of all Iraqis, the promise of peace and prosperity is still within reach.
But if current patterns of alienation and violence persist much longer, there is a grave danger that the Iraqi state will break down, possibly in the midst of a full-scale civil war.
Peace in Iraq will ultimately depend on domestic resolve and regional cooperation, but it will not come about without ever more urgent international engagement.
The international community may not be able to ensure Iraq's success, but it can guarantee failure if it does not come through in time with sufficient support."
Mission accomplished?
Pah!
Quote:
"Iraq and its leaders are now at an important crossroads. If they can address the needs and common interests of all Iraqis, the promise of peace and prosperity is still within reach.
But if current patterns of alienation and violence persist much longer, there is a grave danger that the Iraqi state will break down, possibly in the midst of a full-scale civil war.
Peace in Iraq will ultimately depend on domestic resolve and regional cooperation, but it will not come about without ever more urgent international engagement.
The international community may not be able to ensure Iraq's success, but it can guarantee failure if it does not come through in time with sufficient support."
Mission accomplished?
Pah!
UN Warns of Civil War
The United Nations secretary-general, Kofi Annan, has warned that Iraq is in danger of descending into full scale civil war. They are pretty well already suffering from limited scale civil war at the moment.
Quote:
"Iraq and its leaders are now at an important crossroads. If they can address the needs and common interests of all Iraqis, the promise of peace and prosperity is still within reach.
But if current patterns of alienation and violence persist much longer, there is a grave danger that the Iraqi state will break down, possibly in the midst of a full-scale civil war.
Peace in Iraq will ultimately depend on domestic resolve and regional cooperation, but it will not come about without ever more urgent international engagement.
The international community may not be able to ensure Iraq's success, but it can guarantee failure if it does not come through in time with sufficient support."
Mission accomplished?
Pah!
Quote:
"Iraq and its leaders are now at an important crossroads. If they can address the needs and common interests of all Iraqis, the promise of peace and prosperity is still within reach.
But if current patterns of alienation and violence persist much longer, there is a grave danger that the Iraqi state will break down, possibly in the midst of a full-scale civil war.
Peace in Iraq will ultimately depend on domestic resolve and regional cooperation, but it will not come about without ever more urgent international engagement.
The international community may not be able to ensure Iraq's success, but it can guarantee failure if it does not come through in time with sufficient support."
Mission accomplished?
Pah!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Dutchman Testifies
Karawan Abdellah, a Dutchman, gave testimony today at Saddam Hussein's trial.
He noted that he had temporarily lost his eyesight, as a result of an alleged chemical attack by Iraqi forces on his northern village almost twenty years ago in March 1988.
Abdellah said that he is still in pain from the injury.
Quote:
"I stayed in a hospital for six months and during this period I wasn't able to see at all."
Adding:
"When I take off my glasses in front of my children, they tell me to wear them again because they get scared of the way my eyes look."
He said that he later received further treatment in the Netherlands, where he applied for asylum and was granted a Dutch passport in 1994.
Saddam briefly cross examined Abdellah, and noted that as Abdellah was a Dutchman not an Iraqi under the law he shouldn't be giving testimony.
Saddam also tried to explain how the Kurds were allied with Iran, but the judge again warned him:
"You embarrass me when you get into such details."
Saddam failed to heed the warning, and had his microphone cut off by the judge.
The trial continues.
He noted that he had temporarily lost his eyesight, as a result of an alleged chemical attack by Iraqi forces on his northern village almost twenty years ago in March 1988.
Abdellah said that he is still in pain from the injury.
Quote:
"I stayed in a hospital for six months and during this period I wasn't able to see at all."
Adding:
"When I take off my glasses in front of my children, they tell me to wear them again because they get scared of the way my eyes look."
He said that he later received further treatment in the Netherlands, where he applied for asylum and was granted a Dutch passport in 1994.
Saddam briefly cross examined Abdellah, and noted that as Abdellah was a Dutchman not an Iraqi under the law he shouldn't be giving testimony.
Saddam also tried to explain how the Kurds were allied with Iran, but the judge again warned him:
"You embarrass me when you get into such details."
Saddam failed to heed the warning, and had his microphone cut off by the judge.
The trial continues.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Saddam Was No Dictator
Judge Abdullah al-Amiri caused a degree of controversy in yesterday's proceedings at the trial of Saddam Hussein, when he told Saddam that he was not a dictator.
Quote:
"You were not a dictator.
However, the people or the individuals and officials surrounding you created a dictator [out of you], it was not you in particular.
It happens all over the world."
Saddam, clearly moved, bowed his head and said:
"Thank you."
Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish member of parliament, was not impressed and said:
"If Saddam isn't a dictator as he says, then there's never been a dictatorship in the world.
This... is against the truth. It angers the victims and hurts their feelings."
Mr al-Amiri has already been accused by the prosecution of bias. It should be noted that he was a member of Saddam's Ba'ath party, and served as a prosecuting judge in a criminal court under Saddam's regime.
During yesterday's session, the court heard testimony from Abdullah Mohammad Hussein, a villager from Sida near the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya.
Quote:
"I have lost eight of my family members by the attack of the Iraqi army on my village in 1988."
He alleged that his family were taken away by Iraqi soldiers in the Anfal campaign.
"My mother was released years later and she told me that the bodies of my wife and two of my sons were found in a mass grave in Hatra south of Mosul."
He noted that he had met Saddam:
"I have met Saddam Hussein after I submitted a request. He asked what I wanted. But when I told him that I had lost my family in Sidr village, he replied 'Shut up. Your family is gone in the Anfal'."
Saddam retorted:
"Why did you try to meet me when you knew I was a dictator?"
It was at this point that the judge made his comments.
The trial has now been adjourned until Monday, for "technical reasons".
Quote:
"You were not a dictator.
However, the people or the individuals and officials surrounding you created a dictator [out of you], it was not you in particular.
It happens all over the world."
Saddam, clearly moved, bowed his head and said:
"Thank you."
Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish member of parliament, was not impressed and said:
"If Saddam isn't a dictator as he says, then there's never been a dictatorship in the world.
This... is against the truth. It angers the victims and hurts their feelings."
Mr al-Amiri has already been accused by the prosecution of bias. It should be noted that he was a member of Saddam's Ba'ath party, and served as a prosecuting judge in a criminal court under Saddam's regime.
During yesterday's session, the court heard testimony from Abdullah Mohammad Hussein, a villager from Sida near the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya.
Quote:
"I have lost eight of my family members by the attack of the Iraqi army on my village in 1988."
He alleged that his family were taken away by Iraqi soldiers in the Anfal campaign.
"My mother was released years later and she told me that the bodies of my wife and two of my sons were found in a mass grave in Hatra south of Mosul."
He noted that he had met Saddam:
"I have met Saddam Hussein after I submitted a request. He asked what I wanted. But when I told him that I had lost my family in Sidr village, he replied 'Shut up. Your family is gone in the Anfal'."
Saddam retorted:
"Why did you try to meet me when you knew I was a dictator?"
It was at this point that the judge made his comments.
The trial has now been adjourned until Monday, for "technical reasons".
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Judge Accused of Bias
Munqith al-Faroon, the chief prosecutor in the ongoing trial of Saddam Hussein, has called for Judge Abdullah al-Amiri to stand down. Faroon claims that the judge is biased towards Saddam.
Faroon said that the defendants had "gone too far", threatening witnesses and making political statements.
Quote:
"Defendants have gone too far, with unacceptable expressions and words. Defendants have uttered clear threats.
The chief prosecutor's office requests the judge step down from this case."
Judge Abdullah al-Amiri needless to say has rejected the request, saying that his approach was based on fairness and 25 years' experience.
Judge Amiri said:
"The judge should co-ordinate and make peace so nobody takes advantage of his fairness... I have been working in the judicial system for the past 25 years."
Yesterday Saddam Hussein threatened one of the witnesses' lawyers, accusing him of being an agent of "Iranians and Zionists" the saying "we will crush his head".
The trial continues.
Faroon said that the defendants had "gone too far", threatening witnesses and making political statements.
Quote:
"Defendants have gone too far, with unacceptable expressions and words. Defendants have uttered clear threats.
The chief prosecutor's office requests the judge step down from this case."
Judge Abdullah al-Amiri needless to say has rejected the request, saying that his approach was based on fairness and 25 years' experience.
Judge Amiri said:
"The judge should co-ordinate and make peace so nobody takes advantage of his fairness... I have been working in the judicial system for the past 25 years."
Yesterday Saddam Hussein threatened one of the witnesses' lawyers, accusing him of being an agent of "Iranians and Zionists" the saying "we will crush his head".
The trial continues.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Compensation Demanded
Ghafour Hassan Abdullah, a Kurdish villager, testified yesterday in Saddam Hussein's trial that he left behind his mother and two sisters as he evaded a 1988 attack by Saddam Hussein's forces.
It was only some years later, that he said that he found their identity cards in a mass grave.
Ghafour Hassan Abdullah said:
"At night, I heard the screaming of women and children."
He then went on to exclaim:
"Congratulations! You are in a cage, Saddam."
Saddam claims that the crackdown was directed against Kurdish guerrillas who were allied with Iran.
Abdullah is demanding compensation for the loss of his family.
Saddam accused Kurdish witnesses of creating ethnic divisions, by alleging chemical attacks and mass arrests in their villages during the Anfal crackdown.
The trial continues.
It was only some years later, that he said that he found their identity cards in a mass grave.
Ghafour Hassan Abdullah said:
"At night, I heard the screaming of women and children."
He then went on to exclaim:
"Congratulations! You are in a cage, Saddam."
Saddam claims that the crackdown was directed against Kurdish guerrillas who were allied with Iran.
Abdullah is demanding compensation for the loss of his family.
Saddam accused Kurdish witnesses of creating ethnic divisions, by alleging chemical attacks and mass arrests in their villages during the Anfal crackdown.
The trial continues.
Is The World Safer Without Saddam?
Senator Jay Rockefeller, US Democrat Senator for West Virginia, set the cat amongst the pigeons yesterday in an interview with CBS TV.
Rockefeller said that the world would be better off today if the United States had never invaded Iraq, even if it meant that Saddam Hussein would still be running Iraq.
CBS asked the follow-up: Did Rockefeller stand by that view, even if it meant that Saddam Hussein could still be in power if the United States didn't invade?
Answer from the senator: "Yes."
Rockefeller said that the world would be better off today if the United States had never invaded Iraq, even if it meant that Saddam Hussein would still be running Iraq.
CBS asked the follow-up: Did Rockefeller stand by that view, even if it meant that Saddam Hussein could still be in power if the United States didn't invade?
Answer from the senator: "Yes."
Monday, September 11, 2006
Saddam Hussein's Trial Resumes
Saddam Hussein's second trial, on charges of genocide in connection with a crackdown on Kurds, resumes today.
Saddam and his co-defendants face the death penalty for the killings of thousands of Kurds during the Anfal campaign in the 1980s.
Toady is also the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, which were used as the causa bella against Saddam by the Bush administration.
Ironically, as Iraq now lurches ever closer to civil war, a U.S. Senate Intelligence report now states that no link has been found between Saddam and al-Qaida.
Saddam and his co-defendants face the death penalty for the killings of thousands of Kurds during the Anfal campaign in the 1980s.
Toady is also the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, which were used as the causa bella against Saddam by the Bush administration.
Ironically, as Iraq now lurches ever closer to civil war, a U.S. Senate Intelligence report now states that no link has been found between Saddam and al-Qaida.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)