Saddam’s genocide trial resumes

BAGHDAD – Saddam Hussein’s trial for genocide against the Kurds resumed yesterday, a day after the deposed president accused witnesses of sowing discord for Israel’s benefit in their testimonies about appalling conditions in detention camps under his regime.

Saddam was responding to two Kurdish witnesses who had testified that they were detained in 1988 in a camp where conditions were so bad that hundreds died of malnutrition. “This will only serve the separation,” Saddam said, referring to the deepening divisions in Iraq as sectarian fighting rages.”The Zionists are the only ones who will benefit from the differences among Iraqis,” Saddam added.Saddam dismissed prosecution claims that he ran a police state which kept no records of detainees and camps.”Our country and government are real,” he said.”What is unreal and unbelievable are the heads, which are falling in the streets nowadays,” Saddam told the court, referring to the sectarian killings.Saddam and six co-defendants are standing trial on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during a military offensive against the Kurds in 1987-88 that was known as Operation Anfal.The prosecution says about 180 000, mainly civilians, were killed.Saddam and one other defendant are also charged with genocide.The seven defendants face death by hanging if found guilty.Nampa-AP”This will only serve the separation,” Saddam said, referring to the deepening divisions in Iraq as sectarian fighting rages.”The Zionists are the only ones who will benefit from the differences among Iraqis,” Saddam added.Saddam dismissed prosecution claims that he ran a police state which kept no records of detainees and camps.”Our country and government are real,” he said.”What is unreal and unbelievable are the heads, which are falling in the streets nowadays,” Saddam told the court, referring to the sectarian killings.Saddam and six co-defendants are standing trial on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during a military offensive against the Kurds in 1987-88 that was known as Operation Anfal.The prosecution says about 180 000, mainly civilians, were killed.Saddam and one other defendant are also charged with genocide.The seven defendants face death by hanging if found guilty.Nampa-AP