Defence presents witnesses in Saddam trial

The defence presented witnesses today in the Baghdad trial of Saddam Hussein and former members of his regime, after the judge formally charged them with crimes against humanity that carry a possible death penalty.

Only three lower-level defendants were in the court – Abdullah Kazim al-Ruwayyid, his son Mizhar and Mohammed Azzawi – as the first witness took the stand, testifying from behind a curtain to protect his identity.