Saddam Hussein’s lawyers won’t recognise the October 19 start of the former Iraqi leader’s trial because they claim they have not been notified of the date by the tribunal trying him, the attorneys said today.

A top member of Saddam Hussein’s defence team slammed the deposed Iraqi leader’s upcoming trial today, saying it was a gimmick by the new Iraqi government for political gain following a referendum on a controversial draft constitution.

THE first criminal case has been filed against Saddam Hussein.

Saddam Hussein and three others will stand trial in the 1982 massacre of Shiite villagers north of Baghdad, a senior judge announced today.