Saddam to go on hunger strike

Saddam Hussein and seven co-defendants will begin a hunger strike tomorrow in protest at the “illegality” of the court where they are being tried as well as the US-led invasion which toppled the Iraqi government, chief lawyer Khalil al-Dulaimi said today.

“We were informed through certain channels that the president and his comrades will go on a hunger strike starting tomorrow (Monday) in protest against the illegal court trying them and the war two years ago,” al-Dulaimi said.

He said he received the information through sources at the “detention centre” where Saddam and his top lieutenants are being held.

Al-Dulaimi told the Associated Press that all eight defendants, including Saddam, will boycott their resumed hearings in Baghdad on Monday.