Prosecutors to make final statements in Saddam case

BAGHDAD, June 19: The trial of Saddam Hussein and seven co-accused on charges of crimes against humanity resumed today with the prosecution team scheduled to make its closing statements. All defendants were present.

Saddam and the others face death by hanging if found guilty for their roles in the killing of 148 Shi'ites after a 1982 assassination attempt against Saddam in the village of Dujail.

Chief Judge Raouf Abdel Rahman is moving to wrap up a case that began in October and has been marred by the killings of two defence lawyers, the resignation of a judge and public tirades from the defendants. Rahman has said defence should deliver its final remarks on July 10.

Once final statements are in, a five-judge panel is expected to adjourn to consider a verdict. Any sentence of execution for the former Iraqi president could be delayed by appeals and possibly up to a dozen other trials for war crimes and genocide.

REUTERS