Iraq - Saddam trial starts

The trial of Saddam Hussein started today and so to did the media coverage. But it was unlike any normal trial. As Saddam and his seven co-defendants shuffled into court and proceedings started, the world did not watch. Instead, media networks awaited over 30 minutes until a tape of the proceedings was handed to broadcasters. But then there were sound problems which persisted for some time. CNN provided the most extensive coverage, but as tapes of reasonable quality became available, other networks dipped in. Then the circus started with a refusal of Saddam to answer the judge’s questions. He refused to accept legitimacy of the court and of providing his identity to the judge who repeatedly asked his name. Saddam Hussein instead asked the judge his name. The proceedings were then held up as it was debated whether the other defendants were allowed to wear their traditional head-dress. After a short while the judge relented and after a bizarre interlude, during which the men dressed themselves, each identified themselves and declared their innocence. The proceedings were then halted for a number of reasons; one being that no witnesses had made themselves available. And so with Judge Rizgar Amin setting a date of 28th November, the proceedings ended. [BBC]
Outside the protective cordon of the Green Zone life continued as usual. There were shootings; at least one reported bombing and a kidnapping. Guardian journalist, Rory Carroll, 33, was kidnapped Wednesday after he left a house in Baghdad. He had been covering the Saddam Hussein trial and was getting a perspective from an Iraqi family who watched it on television. He had earlier spoken to Ireland’s RTE radio network. But soon after he had spoken by phone on Today with Pat Kenny he was in the hands of unknown captors. A bomb exploded in the square honouring the 8th founder of Baghdad. No-one was killed in that attack but at least 19 died after a shooting near Abu Graib on the outskirts of Baghdad. ABC News also reported the deaths of a US and British soldier, killed in attacks on Tuesday night.
[19:52 GMT 19/10/2005]