New trial against Saddam for genocide

BAGHDAD, Apr 4 (Reuters) The court trying Saddam Hussein said on today that charges that the former Iraqi leader committed genocide against Kurds have been handed to the prosecution, paving the way for a new trial.

''We declare the investigations are completed in the case called the Anfal campaign in which thousands of men and women were killed. The accused are being transferred to the criminal court,'' said court spokesman Raid Jouhi.

Saddam's co-accused will include his cousin Ali Hassan al-Majeed, known as ''Chemical Ali'', for his role in a poison gas attack against the Kurdish village of Halabja in 1988 that killed 5,000 people.

The toppled Iraqi president is already on trial in connection with the killing of 148 Shi'ites after an attempt on his life in the town of Dujail in 1982.

Prosecutors say Saddam could face trial on the new charges as early as next month. The hearings could run in parallel to the existing trial.

REUTERS