Saddam Hussein's chief defence lawyer killed

Baghdad, June 21 : One of Saddam Hussein's chief defence lawyers, Khamis al-Obaidi, has been killed by ''terrorists,'' Iraqiya state television today said.

It gave no details.

Obaidi is the third defence team lawyer to be killed since the trial against Saddam and seven co-accused on charges of crimes against humanity began in October.

The killing came two days after the chief prosecutor demanded a death penalty for Saddam and three of his former top aides for their roles in a crackdown on Shi'ite villagers following a 1982 attempt on the ousted leader's life.

Reuters