Saddam Hussein trial resumes without him

BAGHDAD, July 24: The trial of Saddam Hussein resumed today without the ousted Iraqi leader, who was being fed through a tube yesterday after 16 days on hunger strike.

Defence lawyers boycotted today's session in protest at what they have said was the court's refusal to meet their demands for a fair trial.

Adding to the chaos of the trial, which is approaching its conclusion, Saddam's half-brother and former intelligence chief Barzan al-Tikriti said he refused his court-appointed attorney and demanded he be allowed to leave the chamber.

''I am here against my will,'' he said.

Saddam's lawyers have accused the US military of force feeding the former president to break his will and end his hunger strike.

REUTERS