Iraq set for Saddam trial

2004-06-30 19:20

Baghdad - Iraq's new authorities took legal control of Saddam Hussein and 11 others on Wednesday, a government statement said, setting the stage for a court appearance to face war crimes charges on his 24 years in power.

In a one line statement, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's office said that the Iraqis had assumed legal - but not custodial - control, "today, 30th June, at 10:15 in the morning." The 12 defendants are expected to appear in court on Thursday for a formal reading of the charges.

"The first step has happened," Salem Chalabi, the director of the Iraqi Special Tribunal, said. "I met with him (Saddam) earlier today to explain his rights and what will happen."

The defendants were informed individually of their rights, said an international official who spoke on condition of anonymity. An Iraqi judge witnessed the proceedings.

Saddam, who appeared to have lost weight in confinement, said "Good morning" as he entered the room, according to Chalabi. After being informed that he was being placed under Iraqi jurisdiction, Saddam, who ruled Iraq for nearly 24 years with absolute authority, was ordered "to leave the room," Chalabi added.

Looking very worried

The other defendants were also brought into the room individually to hear that they will appear in court on Thursday, Chalabi said.

"Some of them looked very worried," Chalabi added.

Saddam, who sees a doctor every day, will remain an American-controlled jail guarded by Americans until the Iraqis are ready to take physical custody of him.

However, the legal transfer means that Saddam and the others are no longer prisoners of war - subject to rights under the Geneva Conventions - but criminal defendants whose treatment will be in accordance with Iraqi law.

- AP