Gunmen attack Hussein trial judge

Gunmen tried to assassinate an investigative judge on the Iraqi Special Tribunal that is investigating Saddam Hussein and members of his regime, a spokesman for the court said today.

The attempt against Judge Munir Hadad took place on Friday as he was being escorted by a security convoy through Baghdad’s western neighbourhood of Ghazaliya, said the official.

No one was injured in the attack and some of the vehicles were damaged, he added.

Hadad’s exact role on the tribunal was unclear.

There are about 20 investigative judges and up to 20 prosecutors on the tribunal.

He is not taking part in the trial against Saddam that adjourned on Thursday until January 24.

Saddam and his co-defendants are charged with the murder of more than 140 people who were killed in the town of Ducal in 1982 after an attempt on the former leader’s life.

If convicted, the accused could be condemned to death.