The trial of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and seven of his top aides resumed on Tuesday in the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad, one day after the third session was adjourned.

The defendants entered the courtroom and took their seats in the dock to hear the witnesses over the massacre of 148 Shiite villagers in Dujail, north of Baghdad, in 1982 after Saddam survived an assassination attempt there.

All accused pled not guilty. If convicted, they may face death penalty.

The third session of Saddam's trial opened on Monday and the first witness testified, but it was adjourned till Tuesday, the third adjournment since Oct. 19.

Source: Xinhua