Iraqi tribunal defendants refused right to defend themselves News
Iraqi tribunal defendants refused right to defend themselves

[JURIST] Iraqi ex-president Saddam Hussein [JURIST news archive] will not be allowed to represent himself at trial, according to new procedural rules adopted by the National Assembly [Wikipedia overview]. Under the new rules adopted late last month, the rights of all defendants appearing before the Iraqi Special Tribunal [official website] were altered, allowing defendants only to "procure legal counsel of [their choosing]." Under the previous rules in force while the nation was under allied forces control, defendants were allowed to act pro se. It is suspected that the change was prompted as a way to avoid political grandstanding and propaganda that has the potential to delay proceedings and incite further violence in the region. Wednesday's Los Angeles Times has more.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase…

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