Saddam trial could start within two months

BAGHDAD – The trial of Saddam Hussein could begin within the next two months, a source close to the Iraqi Special Tribunal that will try the former dictator said yesterday.

Ousted in April 2003 after the US-led invasion of Iraq and captured the following December, Saddam is in US custody near Baghdad airport awaiting trial on charges of crimes against humanity. “My best guess is that the trial could begin 45 days from the day the defence looks at the evidence,” said a source close to the tribunal.The source said he believed Saddam’s defence team has looked at the documents but that it was up to the Special Tribunal to announce the date for a trial.Although the tribunal has had little interaction with the public, “I can tell you with absolute certainty that the investigation is going forward thoroughly and rapidly,” the source said.The trial needs to be both transparent and fair, with the possibility of an appeal on all the charges, the source said.On Monday Saddam’s family announced it sacked all members of his foreign defence team, which was made up of about 20 active lawyers and several hundred more supporters, and would deal only with Khalil Dulaimi, his Iraqi lawyer.- Nampa-AFP”My best guess is that the trial could begin 45 days from the day the defence looks at the evidence,” said a source close to the tribunal.The source said he believed Saddam’s defence team has looked at the documents but that it was up to the Special Tribunal to announce the date for a trial.Although the tribunal has had little interaction with the public, “I can tell you with absolute certainty that the investigation is going forward thoroughly and rapidly,” the source said.The trial needs to be both transparent and fair, with the possibility of an appeal on all the charges, the source said.On Monday Saddam’s family announced it sacked all members of his foreign defence team, which was made up of about 20 active lawyers and several hundred more supporters, and would deal only with Khalil Dulaimi, his Iraqi lawyer.- Nampa-AFP