Saddam: I am Still Iraq’s President

During the 35-minute proceeding, Saddam stressed that US President George W. Bush is the real guilty party. He also defended that he was right to have invaded Kuwait. On the other side, the White House brushed aside Saddam’s jibes, stating such behavior from Saddam was expected.

Meanwhile, 20 lawyers who want to defend Saddam, in addition to 500 volunteers, are being denied entry to Iraq. Saddam’s lawyers are therefore describing the court ‘illegitimate’.

The hearing took place in the section of Bagdat (Baghdad) Palace that Saddam once used while hunting and fishing with his friends. The handcuffed 66-year old former Iraqi leader was escorted into the Court by two security guards. Saddam’s carefully chosen wardrobe could not hide his exhaustion.

Saddam refused the seven-article indictment, including the charges of war and crimes against during his invasion of Kuwait and the Halabaja massacre. He defended that Kuwait is part of Iraqi territory and therefore the operation was not an invasion. The overthrown dictator advocated that they invaded Kuwait for the sake of the Iraqi people’s well being.

"They were forcing Iraqi women into prostitution. How can you defend these dogs?" yelled Saddam.

The Judge in reply reminded Saddam that he is at the Court and invited him to behave.

Saddam retorted: "I am Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. This is a theater. With what authority are you judging me?"

The Former Iraqi leader belittled Bush and claimed that the Court was set up for Bush’s election campaign. The White House on the other hand was indifferent to his statements and it reminded that it is more important to listen to Saddam’s victims and those close to him.

After hearing the accusation that he directed the Halabaja massacre in 1988, he replied, "Yes, I had heard about this."

Since he did not have any lawyer present, Saddam refused to sign the indictment. When the Judge asked him, "Can you hire a lawyer for yourself?"

Saddam replied. "You say that I have millions of dollars in Geneva banks. Why don’t I have money to hire a lawyer?"

Along with Saddam and his 10 aides, former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz defended during the hearing yesterday that they are not responsible of any of the murders.