Saddam to face trial for genocide

The Iraq tribunal on Tuesday announced new criminal charges against Saddam Hussein and six others for alleged genocide and crimes against humanity in 1980s crackdown against the Kurds, including the gassing of thousands of civilians in the village of Halabja.

The move paves the way for a second trial of the ousted ruler. Saddam is already on trial in the killing of Shi8217;ites in a town north of Baghdad. Under Iraqi law, the second trial could begin in at least 45 days.

Investigative judge Raid Juhi said the charges against Saddam and the others had been filed with another judge, who will review the evidence and order a trial date. The move is tantamount to an indictment under the Iraqi legal system. The case involves Saddam8217;s role in Operation Anfal, a three-phase move against Kurds in northern Iraq in the late 1980s. Anfal included the March 16 gas attack against Halabja in which 5,000 people died.

SAMEER N YACOUB