BAGHDAD, Oct. 19, 2005 — Saddam Hussein goes on trial today, the first of several expected cases on atrocities committed during his decades in power. He is charged with three former lieutenants and four Baath officials over the 1982 killing of Shi’ite Muslims in Dujail, north of Baghdad, with all facing the death penalty if convicted.
Saddam, 68, is also likely to face later charges over the 1988 gassing of Kurds in Halabja and the 1990 invasion of Kuwait.
