Saddam sacked legal team

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has confirmed his entire international legal team has been sacked.

He told the judge at the special tribunal which is investigating charges against him that he might decide to appoint new lawyers "if a need arises".

Earlier this month his family announced it had dismissed all foreign lawyers and chosen Iraqi lawyer Khalil Dulaimi to attend court hearings.

The former dictator faces the capital punishment for crimes against humanity, reports BBC News.

According to Guardian, a statement by the Iraqi Special Tribunal said Saddam was questioned Monday about news reports that he had fired all his lawyers except for Iraqi attorney Khalil al-Dulaimi.

"Mr. Saddam confirmed that he canceled all the power of attorneys and fired them," the statement said. "At present, his only authorized defense counsel is Mr. Khalil."

The statement said al-Dulaimi will seek formal permission from the tribunal to serve as sole legal counsel to the ousted dictator, although he has attended interrogation sessions held by tribunal investigators.

Judge Raid Juhi asked Saddam whether he wanted any international lawyers, counselors or advisers to assist in his defense and Saddam said no, the statement added.