Saddam Hussein attends his genocide trial a day after judge threw him out of courtroom

Saddam Hussein attended his genocide trial Tuesday, a day after the presiding judge threw him out of court because he protested the replacement of his lawyers who had boycotted the session.

Photo: Saddam Hussein attends his genocide trial a day after judge threw him out of courtroom

Saddam's defense team had accused the court of violating judicial procedures. The chief judge, Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, appointed replacement lawyers so the trial could continue.

The move angered Saddam, who thundered, "I don't want to be in this cage any more," referring to the court.

"I'm the presiding judge," al-Khalifa snapped. "I decide about your presence here. Get him out!"pointing to guards to remove the ousted president.

Saddam and his six co-defendants were present in the courtroom Tuesday. Their court-appointed lawyers also attended, reports AP.

The seven defendants have been on trial since Aug. 21 for their roles in a 1987-1988 crackdown against Kurdish guerrillas.

The prosecution says about 180,000 people, mostly civilians, died in the military offensive, codenamed Operation Anfal. The defendants could receive the death sentence if convicted.