Defence witnesses begin testimony at Saddam trial

THE defence presented witnesses yesterday in the trial of Saddam Hussein and former members of his regime, a day after a judge formally charged them with crimes against humanity.

Only three lower-level defendants were in court — Abdullah Kazim al-Ruwayyid, his son, Mizhar, and Mohammed Azzawi — as the first witness took the stand.

The Iraqi system effectively puts the burden of proof on the defence to dismiss the accusations.