WRAP First session of Saddam Hussein's trial, argues with judge

Описание: (19 Oct 2005)

1. Wide shot courtroom, box with the accused in the centre of the room
2. Judge
3. Saddam Hussein being brought to the box
4. Wide shot courtroom
5. Judge
6. Close-up Saddam's face
7. Saddam Hussein standing in the box
8. UPSOUND (Arabic): Exchange between judge and Saddam Hussein who refuses to identify himself
Judge: Your full name. You will have time to say what you want. But for now, we want your name.
Saddam: Who are you and what are you?
Judge: These things have nothing to do with you.
Saddam: Oh yes, they do.
9. Judge smiling
10. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Saddam Hussein, former Iraqi President:
"I do not respond to this so-called court, with all due respect to its people, and I retain my constitutional right as the president of Iraq. Neither do I recognize the body that has designated and authorised you, nor the aggression because all that has been built on a false basis is false."
11. Saddam sits down
12. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Rizgar Mohammed Amin, presiding judge:
"I would like every one to tell the court if he is guilty or innocent. Please can you say that you are guilty or innocent.
Saddam Hussein, former Iraqi President: I said what I said and I am not guilty.
Judge: Mr Awad, are you guilty or innocent?
Awad: Innocent.
Others: Innocent.
Last man accused: Innocent God willing, innocent God willing.
13. Wide shot Saddam sitting in the box
14. Court being adjourned, judge rises
15. Saddam's brother Barzan standing up
16. Cameras lowered to provide anonymity to judges as court is adjourned

STORYLINE:

On the first day of his trial in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, Saddam Hussein Wednesday pleaded innocent to charges including pre-meditated murder and torture.

Opening the session, Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin, a Kurd, summoned Saddam and his seven co-defendants into the room one by one.

Saddam was the last to enter, escorted by two Iraqi guards in bulletproof vests who guided him by the elbow.

Even as the trial began in a tightly secured courtroom in the former headquarters of his Baath Party, the 68 year-old ousted Iraqi leader refused to be bowed.

The judge tried to get Saddam to formally identify himself but Saddam refused.

"I preserve my constitutional rights as the president of Iraq," Saddam told the presiding judge. I do not recognise the body that has authorised you and I don't recognise this aggression. What is based on injustice is unjust ... I do not respond to this so-called court, with all due respect," he said.

Finally, Saddam sat.

After the judge read the defendants their rights and the charges against them - which also include forced expulsions and illegal imprisonment - he asked each for their plea.

He started with the ousted dictator, saying "Mr. Saddam, go ahead. Are you guilty or innocent?"

Saddam replied quietly, "I said what I said. I am not guilty," referring to his arguments earlier in the session.

Amin read out the plea, "innocent."

The other defendants include Saddam's former intelligence chief, his former vice president and other lower-level Baathist civil servants.

Saddam and seven former members of his regime face could face the death penalty if convicted over the 1982 massacre of nearly 150 Shiites in the town of Dujail.

The panel of five judges will both hear the case and render a verdict in what could be the first of several trials of Saddam for atrocities allegedly carried out during his 23 year-rule.

The identities of judges have been kept secret to ensure their safety. Amin's name was revealed on Wednesday just before the trial began.




Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...