Chaos as Saddam’s lawyers leave court

SADDAM HUSSEIN’S trial turned chaotic shortly after resuming yesterday, with one defendant dragged out of court and the defence team walking out in protest.

The former Iraqi leader was then escorted from the room minutes after shouting “down with America!”

Seeking to assert tight control, the new chief judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman pressed ahead with the proceedings even after the opening drama, hearing three prosecution witnesses before adjourning the trial after four and a half hours.