Iraqi tribunal late starting Saddam hearing

BAGHDAD, Nov 5 (Reuters) The Iraqi High Tribunal was preparing to start a hearing today at which Saddam Hussein is expected to hear the verdict and sentence against him for crimes against humanity.

As all sessions for the past year, the hearing was scheduled to start at 1230hrs IST but it has typically taken an hour or more to get down to business. By 1330hrs IST reporters had taken their seats but there was no one in the courtroom and there was no word from officials when the hearing would officially commence.

REUTERS PB HT1355