Hussein enters "not guilty" plea at trial

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Saddam Hussein pleaded "not guilty" at the opening of the al-Dujail trial on Wednesday. The court recessed for 6 weeks during which time his defense will be prepared.

During the proceeding, Hussein argued that the judge was not appointed by him, and thus was not legitimate. "I don't acknowledge this court."

The hearing convened 22 months after Hussein's capture. A tribunal of five Iraqi judges headed by Rizgar Mohammed Amin, with the death penalty vested in them, will decide his sentence.

Sources

Babak Dehghanpisheh. 'I'm Not Guilty' — Newsweek, October 19, 2005
Mariam Fam, AP writer. Video clip seen as key in Saddam case — Seattle P.I., October 19, 2005
Saddam trial Q & A — Herald Sun, October 20, 2005
Hussein trial plays as drama for the world — CNN International, October 20, 2005
John F. Burns. Hussein Goes on Trial Tomorrow, and Iraqis See a First Accounting — Spiegel Online, October 17, 2005

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