Saddam asks for firing squad if sentenced to death

A thinner but combative Saddam Hussein appeared in court today for the first time since his hunger strike and hospital stay.

He complained he had been brought against his will and rejected the tribunal as an agent of the US occupation. “I was brought against my will directly from the hospital,” Saddam told the chief judge. “The Americans insisted that I come against my will. This is not fair.”

He asked the court to execute him by firing squad – “not by hanging as a common criminal” – if it convicts him of all charges and sentences him to death.