Saddam's trial resumes in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, May 15 (Reuters) Saddam Hussein returned to court today and defence witnesses were expected to testify as his trial resumed on charges of crimes against humanity in the killing of 148 Shi'ites in the 1980s, a Reuters reporter said.

The trial in the Baghdad started in October.

The 148 Shi'ite men and youths were killed after an attempt on Saddam's life in 1982 in the town of Dujail, north of Baghdad.

Saddam's seven co-accused, including his half-brother Barzan al-Tikriti, were not present in the court as the proceedings started.

The court, presided by Judge Raouf Abdel Rahman, read the charges against Saddam.

If found guilty, Saddam, 69, faces a death sentence.

REUTERS AK BST1320