Saddam lawyer boycotts war crimes court

Saddam Hussein’s chief attorney vowed to boycott Iraq’s War Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday until a man he says attacked the former Pre...

Saddam Hussein’s chief attorney vowed to boycott Iraq’s War Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday until a man he says attacked the former President during a hearing is brought to justice and the court apologises.

Khalil Dulaimi said his client, expected to stand trial as early as September, was dismissive of prosecutors and judges working for the US-backed Special Tribunal, calling them American puppets. He said Saddam does not fear death.

In an exclusive interview, Dulaimi announced a boycott of the tribunal, saying it had failed to protect Saddam from attack. US forces responsible for guarding Saddam have denied any such assault on the former President had taken place.

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‘‘As Saddam Hussein’s lawyer and on behalf of all the defence team, we announce the boycott of the Iraqi Special Tribunal until they make a formal apology for the incident and the person who committed that disgraceful act is brought to justice,’’ Dulaimi, sitting in law offices in Baghdad, said.

Two legal experts who follow the proceedings said it was not clear what impact the boycott would have on the trial.

—Reuters

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