Saddam's lawyer claims trial is 'Iraqi government gimmick'

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 court isn’t even half way ready to try the case,” Abdel Haq Alani said. “It’s simply political capital being used to follow the referendum on the constitution.”