Court tapes reveal Saddam discussed using chemical weapons to ‘exterminate thousands’ News
Court tapes reveal Saddam discussed using chemical weapons to ‘exterminate thousands’

[JURIST] The voices of Saddam Hussein [JURIST news archive] and his cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid [BBC profile], known in the Western media as "Chemical Ali", were heard discussing the use of chemical weapons to kill thousands in audio tapes played Monday before the Iraqi High Tribunal [official website] during its ongoing genocide trial [JURIST news archive; BBC trial timeline] of six former Hussein regime officials originally charged with the late dictator in connection with the deaths of some 180,000 Kurds during the so-called "Anfal" campaigns [HRW backgrounder] of the 1980s. The trial reconvened Monday with the chief judge dismissing all charges against Saddam [JURIST report] following his December 30 execution [JURIST report]. A voice identified as Saddam discusses how using the chemical weapons would force those affected not to eat or drink and confirms the chemicals would "exterminate thousands." Al-Majid says on the tapes that he would use chemical weapons to kill, and curses any criticism by the international community.

It was unclear in the proceedings Monday why or when the recordings were made. Not guilty pleas [JURIST report] have been entered for all defendants, who have denied [JURIST report] that chemical weapons were used on the Kurds. Reuters has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

District of Columbia named seat of US government

On July 16, 1790, the District of Columbia was established as the permanent seat of the United States government by the Residence Act. Originally the district contained land on both sides of the Potomac, grants from Maryland and Virginia, but in the mid-19th century, when it was obvious that the major government buildings were being built on the Maryland side, Virginia asked for its land back and received it. Learn more about the District of Columbia.

Saddam Hussein becomes President of Iraq

On July 16, 1979, Hasan al-Bakr resigned as President of Iraq. He was replaced by Saddam Hussein, who held power until he was deposed by American forces in 2003. In 2006, Hussein was tried and convicted of crimes against humanity. He was executed by hanging later that year. Learn more about relations between the United States and Saddam Hussein from George Washington University.