Saddam, at his court arraignment, says he is innocent, still president, in charge

[Dan Murphy]

The Associated Press
Updated: 8:40 a.m. ET July 01, 2004BAGHDAD, Iraq -

A defiant Saddam Hussein rejected charges of war crimes and genocide against him in a court appearance Thursday, telling a judge "this is all theater, the real criminal is Bush," according to a reporter in an official media pool.

Saddam's hands were cuffed when he was brought to the court but the shackles were removed for the arraignment, which lasted about 30 minutes.

"I am Saddam Hussein, the president of Iraq," Saddam said.

In his first public appearance since he was captured seven months ago, Saddam refused to sign a list of charges against him and questioned the court's jurisdiction, according to a CNN reporter who was in the courtroom as part of a pool arrangement.

He defended the invasion of Kuwait, saying he invaded it "for the Iraqi people” and calling the Kuwaitis “dogs.”

Saddam was flown by helicopter from an undisclosed location and driven to a court room on a U.S. base. He was led from an armored bus escorted by two Iraqi prison guards and ushered through a door guarded by six more Iraqi policemen, the report said. The bus was escorted by four humvees and an ambulance.

Strict pool arrangements severely limited media access to the hearing.

The charges against Saddam were expected to include war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. A formal indictment with specific charges is expected later, said Salem Chalabi, the director of the Iraqi Special Tribunal. The trial isn't expected until 2005.

"The next legal step would be that the investigations start proper with investigative judges and investigators beginning the process of gathering evidence," he said. "Down the line, there will be an indictment, if there is enough evidence -- obviously, and a time table starts with respect to a trial date."

Saddam and the other 11 suspects were transferred to Iraqi custody Wednesday. He and the others are no longer prisoners of war but are still locked up with U.S. forces as their jailers.

"They were surprised that they were told they're in Iraqi custody," Chalabi told AP Radio.

President Ghazi al-Yawer told an Arab newspaper that Iraq's new government has decided to reinstate the death penalty, suspended during the U.S. occupation.

U.S. and Iraqi officials hope the trial will lay bare the atrocities of his regime and help push the country toward normalcy after years of tyranny, the U.S.-led invasion and the insurgency that has blossomed in its aftermath.

MSNBC news item

 

[tiggersmom2]

Too bad the military guys that found him didn't just shoot his sorry butt!

 

[Robinrs]

No surprise there. He has an arrogance that no jail can surpress.

I just wish all of this was OVER.

 

[powellrj]

I just want this whole mess to be over and have our people home. I haven't talked to DS in several days, but the last few weeks have been AWFUL.

 

[shelbyjosh]

OK...where does this stooge get off wearing a suit? He should be in that god awful orange jumpsuit that the other prisoners have to wear. I don't know why our guys just didn't shoot him in his hole and then drag him out and say he was dead. Better yet, shoot him to mame and then let him rot in his hole. Pardon me, but this idiot has no right to live!!

 

[Chattyaholic]

I have just one word to describe him: insane

You know, I have never supported the death penalty, but in his case I probably would make an exception!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Lets just hope that the Iraqi people hold their ground and see him for what he really is. It would be scary if they let him out.

 

[Nancy]

The man is a nut case, monster and murderer.... I hope they give him the death penalty...but what should they do to him? Torture, hang, burn, behead, chemicals, shoot, stab....the list goes on and on.

 

[Trish Bessette]

I have no words I can use here on the DIS to describe that creep.

 

[Eeyore1954]

I don't condone anything Saddam did during this 20+ year reign of terror, but I believe it is vital for the people of Iraq to see him and his henchmen receive a fair trial for their crimes. The people of Iraq need to know that their country is changing for the better, even though it make take a long time to overcome all the challenges they face. The old regime should stand trial and if convicted should be properly punished.

 

[Elwood Blues]

Originally posted by Nancy
The man is a nut case, monster and murderer.... I hope they give him the death penalty...but what should they do to him? Torture, hang, burn, behead, chemicals, shoot, stab....the list goes on and on.

Wow Nancy!!! Don't hold back. Tell us how your REALLY feal!

 

[jrydberg]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
Lets just hope that the Iraqi people hold their ground and see him for what he really is. It would be scary if they let him out.

I don't think that's a concern. Whatever their feelings about the US and the war, few Iraqis hold anything but contempt for Saddam.

My concern would be on the opposite end of the spectrum -- that it be a fair trial.

 

[Big Dude]

It is true...Saddam is still in charge and, at this very moment, is personally removing all of the infidels from Iraq!!!!

<IMG SRC=http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com/images/07-minister.jpg>



Adam aka Big Dude

 

[Elwood Blues]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
I don't condone anything Saddam did during this 20+ year reign of terror, but I believe it is vital for the people of Iraq to see him and his henchmen receive a fair trial for their crimes. The people of Iraq need to know that their country is changing for the better, even though it make take a long time to overcome all the challenges they face. The old regime should stand trial and if convicted should be properly punished.

ITA.

 

[WeirdEyes]

He is totally insane! I heard that he believes he is the reincarnation of King Nebakanezer! What a whacko!

 

[TennVolTony]

He doesn't deserve a trial.......stick a scud up his backside and light the fuse!!

 

[jrydberg]

IMO, a trial is not to prove what Saddam did... there are mountains of evidence in that regard. It is to prove that we are not like him.

 

[grinningghost]

This guy needs a reality check. Still the President? Let's ask the Iraqi people about that.

 

[always quiet]

My sincere hope is that THIS time, this jerk is gone for good. I am afraid that in another 10 yrs., he will be back in power and again, our men will be losing their lives to get rid of him. We thought it was for good last time. No more families need to bury their children, husbands, fathers, mothers, daughters....................

I pray that the new Iraqi government can do what needs to be done - kill his sorry butt! (and if they decide to do it slowly and painfully, I'm sure I won't shed a tear! )

 

[Octoberbride03]

You were expecting him to say "I'm guilty. Hang me!" maybe?