Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
By HAMZA HENDAWI - Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq - (AP) The court in the Saddam Hussein trial
allowed former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark and another foreign
defense lawyer to address the session Monday, reversing a ruling that had
led the defense to walk out.
After a 90-minute recess, Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin allowed
Clark and ex-Qatari Justice Minister Najib al-Nueimi to speak on the
questions of the legitimacy of the tribunal and safety of the lawyers.
"Reconciliation is essential," Clark told the court. "This trial can
divide or heal. Unless it is seen as absolutely fair, and fair in fact, it
will divide rather than reconcile Iraq."
At that point the judge reminded Clark that he was to speak only
about the security guarantees for the defense lawyers _ two of whom have
been assassinated since the trial began Oct. 19.
Clark then said all parties were entitled to protection and the
measures offered to protect the defense and their families were "absurd."
Clark said that without such protection, the judicial system would collapse.
Al-Nueimi then spoke about the legitimacy issue.
BAGHDAD, Iraq - (AP) The court in the Saddam Hussein trial
allowed former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark and another foreign
defense lawyer to address the session Monday, reversing a ruling that had
led the defense to walk out.
After a 90-minute recess, Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin allowed
Clark and ex-Qatari Justice Minister Najib al-Nueimi to speak on the
questions of the legitimacy of the tribunal and safety of the lawyers.
"Reconciliation is essential," Clark told the court. "This trial can
divide or heal. Unless it is seen as absolutely fair, and fair in fact, it
will divide rather than reconcile Iraq."
At that point the judge reminded Clark that he was to speak only
about the security guarantees for the defense lawyers _ two of whom have
been assassinated since the trial began Oct. 19.
Clark then said all parties were entitled to protection and the
measures offered to protect the defense and their families were "absurd."
Clark said that without such protection, the judicial system would collapse.
Al-Nueimi then spoke about the legitimacy issue.