The Hindu : Front Page : J'Accuse...! The real criminal is Bush, says Saddam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 02, 2004

Front Page

Front Page

J'Accuse...! The real criminal is Bush, says Saddam

By Christine Hauser

Saddam Hussein defiantly faced an Iraqi judicial hearing today, where he was read seven preliminary charges that included the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, suppressing the Shiite uprising, and the gassing of the Kurds, according to a television pool report.

"I am Saddam Hussein, the President of Iraq," Mr. Hussein replied twice when he answered the judge, whose first question was to ask his name.

"This is all a theatre; the real criminal is Bush," Mr. Hussein said.

According to the report — by the CNN correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, who was present in the courtroom — Mr. Hussein was dressed in civilian clothes and wearing a neat beard. His handcuffs, and a chain around his waist, were removed before he appeared in front of the judge. Mr. Hussein, who was captured by coalition forces in December, rejected the charges against him, calling the court proceeding "theatre" and questioning its jurisdiction. The report said that he tried to interrupt the judge by using the word "please," and that he was reprimanded for his language when he defended the invasion of Kuwait.

The trial is expected to begin within months. On Wednesday, the new Iraqi government took legal custody of Mr. Hussein, after seven months of imprisonment, and 11 of his aides. But the United States retains physical custody of Mr. Hussein, and he remains under American guard.

No lawyers were present and Mr. Hussein refused to sign papers that he had been read his rights and that he understood what was going on. The judge said he would enter the acknowledgement himself. The proceedings took place under tight security. Mr. Hussein was brought to the location in an armoured bus in a convoy accompanied by American Humvees and an ambulance. A member of the defence team, Tim Hughes, said the lawyers would argue that the trial cannot be fair. They would argue Mr. Hussein has immunity from prosecution because he is still Iraq's President, overthrown by an ``illegitimate invasion.'' Mr. Hussein was denied legal representation at Thursday's appearance, Mr. Hughes said. Mr. Hussein's voice was weak and hoarse, the report said, and when he challenged the judge he jabbed his finger at him. Iraqi guards and new members of the new Iraqi government were among those watching, riveted by his appearance. The preliminary charges read today would form the basis for the formal indictment, for which the investigative procedure will now begin, the report said. Earlier statements have said Mr. Hussein would be charged with crimes against humanity: the killing and torture of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis during his more than two decades in power.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

News Update

Stories in this Section

J'Accuse...! The real criminal is Bush, says Saddam

Shocked by realities, Manmohan announces aid

Stamp scam: police officers, insurance officials held

Exchange of fire

Life term for policemen

More powers for RPF

Notice served on MSEB in DPC row

Harsud: most people shifted

Cassini begins orbit