Saddam Hussein lawyers walk out of trial

[maddezmom]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saddam Hussein's lawyers walked out of his trial hearing Wednesday to protest against the changing of the chief judge and the deposed leader was ordered to leave the courtroom.

Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, a Shiite Muslim Arab, was presiding Wednesday in place of Abdullah al-Amiri, who was removed after he was accused of being too soft on the former Iraqi leader.

But when the session began with al-Khalifa in charge, the defense lawyers questioned the impartiality of the trial.

"We don't expect from this court established under the occupation authorities to be fair, so we decided to withdraw from this trial," defense lawyer Wadoud Fawzi told the court, reading a statement on behalf of the defense team.

"The decision to sack the judge at the orders of the government shows that this trial lacks the standards of a fair trial," added Fawzi.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060920/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_saddam_trial

[Kutjara]

1. This trial is rapidly becoming a metaphor...

...for the whole botched debacle in Iraq. It's like a three-ring circus in which everyone, ringmaster, performers and audience, are all certifiably insane. So much is happening under the table and behind the scenes that nobody knows what's really happening. If they're not careful, they'll end up appointing Saddam king by accident.

[HuffleClaw]

2. this 'trial' has been a joke from the beginning

i knew it from the moment i saw the giant crib.

[maddezmom]

3. wasn't it originally white?

they must've painted it. :shrug:

[tanyev]

4. Boy, howdy, how's that democracy workin' out?

[Supersedeas]

5. Al Gonzo is probably thinking--who need Defense counsel for a fair trial

[Rex]

6. They actually expected a fair hearing?

Bush wants to LEGALIZE torture of American citizens! I'm surprised Saddam has made it this far.