Saddam's Microphone Cut After He Suggests US Behind Bombings

Associated Press | March 15 2006
By BASSEM MROUE

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saddam Hussein testified Wednesday for the first time at his trial, insisting he was Iraq's leader and praising the insurgency, prompting the chief judge to close the courtroom to the public because he said Saddam was making political speeches.

The deposed president, wearing a black suit and standing before the chief judge while reading his remarks, addressed the Iraqi people about the bloody wave of sectarian violence that has rocked the country since the bombing of a major Shiite shrine last month.

"What pains me most is what I heard recently about something that aims to harm our people," Saddam said. "My conscience tells me that the great people of Iraq have nothing to do with these acts."

Chief judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman interrupted Saddam, saying he was not allowed to give political speeches in the court.

"I am the head of state," Saddam replied.

"You used to be a head of state. You are a defendant now," Abdel-Rahman barked at Saddam.

As Saddam continued reading from a prepared text, the judge repeatedly closed his microphone to prevent his words from being heard and told him to address the charges against him. Saddam ignored the judge and continued speaking.

"You are being tried in a criminal case. Stop your political speech," Abdel-Rahman said angrily.

"Had it not been for politics I wouldn't be here," Saddam replied.

He went on with his speech, urging Iraqis not to fight each other.

"What happened in the last days is bad," he said, referring to the Feb. 22 bombing of the Askariya shrine in the city of Samarra. "You will live in darkness and rivers of blood for no reason."

He praised the insurgency, saying, "In my eyes, you are the resistance to the American invasion."

Abdel-Rahman replied, "You are being tried in a criminal case for killing innocent people, not because of your conflict with America."

Saddam responded, "What about the innocent people who are dying in Baghdad? I am talking to the Iraqi people."

Finally, Abdel-Rahman ordered the session closed to the public, telling journalists to leave the chamber. The delayed video feed also was cut.

"The court has decided to turn this into a secret and closed session," he said.

Saddam was the last of the case's eight defendants to testify. Though he has spoken frequently since the trial began in October, Wednesday's session was to be the first chance for the judge and prosecutors to directly question him.

During his testimony, Saddam called the proceedings a "comedy."

Last modified March 15, 2006