![Saddam’s defense lawyers preparing challenge in US courts, leaked papers show](https://www.jurist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/jurist-white-text.png)
[JURIST] Defense lawyers for Saddam Hussein are preparing legal challenges to his upcoming war crimes trial to be filed in US courts, according to leaked memos. The Sunday Times reported that a brief titled "The Iraqi Special Tribunal as Victors’ Justice — the Inherent Illegality and Bias of the Whole Process" was prepared by leading UK human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith and argues that US law should apply in the case because the trial is being held by US initiative. The brief also argues that Saddam should be granted basic rights held by US citizens such as access to counsel and an independent judge and jury in his trial. The first trials of Saddam's former lieutenants are expected to begin this week. JURIST's Paper Chase has ongoing coverage of legal developments in the case. From the UK, the Sunday Times has more.