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BAGHDAD, Oct 19 (Reuters): A defiant, hectoring Saddam Hussein at first refused to give his name, but then calmed down and pleaded "not guilty" on Wednesday as his long-anticipated, televised trial for crimes against humanity began in Baghdad.
After three hours of hearings in which Saddam and his seven co-defendants were told of the charges against them, including murder and torture in the deaths of 148 Shi'ite men two decades ago, the trial was quickly adjourned until November 28. The chief judge said the main reason why the trial has been adjourned was because many witnesses were too afraid to turn up.
Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin told Reuters around 30 or 40 witnesses had not come to Baghdad for the trial, which took place in a heavily defended building inside Baghdad's fortress- like Green Zone compound.
"The main reason is the witnesses did not show up," Amin said. "They were too scared to be public witnesses. We're going to work on this issue for the next sessions.
Iraq's government, struggling for popularity ahead of elections in December, had promised to meet popular demands for a trial of Saddam, and several leaders were in court to watch the proceedings as they unfolded amid intense security.
International observers, including several human rights groups, were also in the court inside Baghdad's fortress-like Green Zone to monitor a trial some warned beforehand might end up creating the impression of "victor's justice".
The event, broadcast around the world with a 30-minute delay, was tightly choreographed and Iraqi lawyers said it bore little similarity to usual Iraqi criminal proceedings. The court and its chief judge appeared intent on showing fairness.
Saddam was the last to enter the marble-floored court before the trial began shortly after midday. He asked the jailers escorting him to slow down as he walked to his spot facing a panel of five judges. He carried a copy of the Koran.
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