Trial Begins for Saddam Hussein

October 19, 2005 – The Supreme Iraqi Criminal Court convened today, opening the trials for former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and seven other defendants charged with mass killings in 1982. The charges are related to the execution of more than 140 men and boys from the mostly Shiite town of Dujail outside Baghdad. Hussein joined the other defendants in pleading not guilty to the charges brought against him. At the conclusion of the day’s hearing, the tribunal adjourned the trial until November 28. 

Investigative judges for the tribunal are continuing research into additional atrocities committed under Hussein’s regime. According to reports, Hussein could be charged for the killings of more than 300,000 people – mostly Shiites and Kurds. Specific incidents believed to be under investigation include the Anfal campaign of the 1980s that targeted Iraq’s Kurdish population and reportedly left more than 80,000 people dead; as well as a three-week period in 1991 during which more than 100,000 people were believed to be killed during government repression of a Shiite revolt. 

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Last updated October 20, 2005

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