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Hussein Rails Against Court in Baghdad

Deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein started his defense this week by labeling the court a ?comedy.? In Mr. Hussein`s first visit to the stand to testify, he called out support for the terrorist insurgency besieging his country`s people and denounced Coalition efforts to bring democracy to Iraq as an "American-Zionist" conspiracy.

Hussein and seven others are being tried for crimes against humanity for the deaths of 148 people in the Shia village of Dujail, following a 1982 assassination attempt. His half-brother and former spy chief, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, has denied taking part in any of the deaths. He said he scolded security forces for making unnecessary arrests in Dujail and ordered many detainees be freed.

Hussein showed up in court wearing a dark suit, without a tie. After Wednesday?s hearing, the trial adjourned for several weeks. The judge in Saddam Hussein`s case restricted public access to the court after Saddam started ranting about the insurgency and giving it his support. Hussein`s trial has come under fire several times for resembling, unfortunately, the "Butcher of Baghdad"`s