Saddam Hussein trial resumes in Baghdad

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

The 20th session began with hearing a witness who preferred to testify from behind a curtain.

During the 19th session on Monday, Saddam Hussein's chief lawyer walked out of the court after the chief judge rejected a series of defense requests, prompting the judge to appoint another attorney to defend the deposed president.

Chief defense attorney Khalil al-Dulaimi had just ended a month- long boycott of the trial, in which Saddam and six of his aides are facing charges of genocide and war crimes for their role in Anfal campaign against Iraq's Kurds in 1980s.

All the main charges in Anfal carry death penalty. Saddam is also awaiting a possible death sentence verdict for a separate case involving killing of some 148 Shiites.

Source: Xinhua