A DEFIANT Saddam Hussein pleaded innocent to charges of murder and torture when his long-awaited trial began yesterday with the one-time dictator arguing about the legitimacy of the court and scuffling with guards.

Saddam Hussein went on trial today for alleged crimes against fellow Iraqis, appearing in a tightly secured courtroom in the former headquarters of his Baath Party nearly two years after his capture.

Proceedings in the trial of Iraq’s former leader Saddam Hussein were delayed today for an unknown reason.

Nearly two years after his capture, Saddam Hussein is finally facing trial today for alleged crimes against fellow Iraqis.

Plans to hold former Iraq president Saddam Hussein’s trial next month gives too little time to his defence team to prepare his case, a family lawyer complained today.

Saddam Hussein could be executed if he is sentenced to death in the first of several anticipated trials – even if other proceedings against him are still pending, an official close to the proceedings said today.

THE first criminal case has been filed against Saddam Hussein.

A Belgian appeals court today ruled that it cannot investigate war crimes charges against Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.