Legal custody of Saddam Hussein and 11 other senior figures from his regime was transferred to the Iraqis today, according to reports.
..."The first step has happened," Salem Chalabi, the director of the Iraqi special tribunal that will try Saddam, said. "I met him [Saddam] earlier today to explain his rights and what will happen," he said, refusing to elaborate.
The move comes ahead of a first court appearance by Saddam and the 11 other detainees, scheduled for tomorrow. Mr Allawi announced the trial yesterday.
...Saddam will remain in a US-controlled jail, guarded by Americans, until such time, not expected in the short term, as the Iraqis are ready to take "physical custody" of him.
However, the legal transfer means that Saddam and the other former members of his regime are no longer prisoners of war - entitled to the protection of the Geneva convention - but criminal defendants, who will be treated in accordance with Iraqi law.
Guardian article
..."The first step has happened," Salem Chalabi, the director of the Iraqi special tribunal that will try Saddam, said. "I met him [Saddam] earlier today to explain his rights and what will happen," he said, refusing to elaborate.
The move comes ahead of a first court appearance by Saddam and the 11 other detainees, scheduled for tomorrow. Mr Allawi announced the trial yesterday.
...Saddam will remain in a US-controlled jail, guarded by Americans, until such time, not expected in the short term, as the Iraqis are ready to take "physical custody" of him.
However, the legal transfer means that Saddam and the other former members of his regime are no longer prisoners of war - entitled to the protection of the Geneva convention - but criminal defendants, who will be treated in accordance with Iraqi law.
Yes, Salem is related to the other Chalabi. When you're running a world, you have to limit your officer pool.
....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.
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