Topic: Saddam Hussein trial opens in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Saddam Hussein's trial for crimes
against humanity started in Baghdad on Wednesday.
Reporters in the courtroom said proceedings started shortly after
noon (0900 GMT). Initial reporting restrictions meant no details were
immediately available.
Saddam has been charged with crimes against humanity over the deaths
of more than 140 Shi'ite Muslim men after a group of young Shi'ites tried to
assassinate him near Dujail, a town about 60 km (35 miles) north of Baghdad,
in 1982.
Together with seven others, all members of his once-feared Baath
Party, Saddam faces a five-judge panel from Iraq's Special Tribunal, a court
established by U.S. authorities in December 2003 to try the leaders of the
overthrown regime.