Iraq to ‘hold Saddam trial’

IRAQ is still intent on trying former leader Saddam Hussein at home despite his current status as a prisoner of war in US hands, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said yesterday.

The United States declared the former Iraqi president a prisoner of war after arresting him in December. The designation means Saddam is due rights under the Geneva Convention on treatment of POWs and deprives Iraq the right to try him.

“Saddam will be tried by an Iraqi court despite his current status as a prisoner of war,” Zebari said.