The trial of the ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and six of his aides on charges of genocide against Kurds in 1980s resumed on Wednesday.

Wearing black suit and holding Quran, the holy Muslim book, Saddam Hussein entered the courtroom along with his six aides who believed to be involved in the Anfal (Spoils of War) military campaign, which the chief prosecutor said it left some 182,000 people dead or missing.

After hearing three witnesses at the 16th session on Tuesday, Wednesday's session continued hearing another group of witnesses, most of them accused the defendants in their testimonies of genocide crimes.

The first witness took the stand on condition of anonymity and gave the testimony behind a curtain for personal security reason.

Saddam is also awaiting a possible death sentence verdict for a separate case involving killing of some 148 Shiites.

All the main charges in Anfal carry death penalty.

Source: Xinhua