Trial for Iraq's former president Saddam Hussein on charges of crimes against humanity resumed in the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad on Monday.

The hearing started at 11:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) and Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin ordered Saddam and his seven co-defendants to enter the courtroom without handcuffs.

Saddam was the last to enter the courtroom, carrying a Koran, the Muslim holy book.

The trial of Saddam and his seven top aides on charges for the killing of Shiite villagers in Dujail in 1982 was the third session after two earlier adjournments on Oct. 19 and Nov. 28, respectively.

The defense team wanted to question the legitimacy of the court and security of the defense team, but Amin refused to hear.

Shortly after the start of the session, the defense team, including former US attorney general Ramsey Clark, walked out of the court in protest against the legitimacy of the court.

The chief judge then ordered a 10-minute recess, and the session was suspended to allow the defense team time to confer.

Concerns over the security of the defense team were raised after two lawyers for Saddam and his co-defendents were assassinated.

Source: Xinhua