THE former Iraqi general known as Chemical Ali, who is accused of using chemical weapons attacks to kill thousands of Kurds, will be the first of Saddam Hussein’s cohorts to stand trial next week, a government official said yesterday.

Worsening security, legal complexities and the lack of an Iraqi lawyer willing to represent Saddam Hussein make it impossible for the ousted dictator and 11 others to stand trial any time soon, a US official said today.

Saddam Hussein should be bailed in Europe while he awaits trial, his lawyer said today.

The 12 former Iraqi regime figures due in court in Baghdad to hear charges against them are: