Saddam co-defendant takes stand in trial

Only the former chief of Saddam's Revolutionary Court, Awad al- Bandar, was present for cross-examination.

The court trying Saddam Hussein and seven co-defendants on charges of crimes against humanity held another session on Thursday, but the ousted Iraqi leader did not attend.

HT Image

Only the former chief of his Revolutionary Court, Awad al- Bandar, was present for cross-examination. One of Saddam's lawyers attended, witnesses said.

Saddam and his co-accused are charged in the killings of 148 Shi'ites after an assassination attempt on the former Iraqi leader in the town of Dujail in 1982.

Bandar is charged with handing down death sentences on Saddam's orders.