Saddam hunger strike in protest at the murder of his lawyer

The trial of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is set to resume in Baghdad whether or not the former Iraqi leader is well enough to attend.
Saddam was taken to hospital yesterday as a result of a hunger strike, which he reportedly began on July 7 in protest at the murder of his lawyer.

Court officials say he should still be well enough to attend the hearing, but he is threatening to boycott it. He and seven co-defendants are on trial charged with crimes against humanity.
Chief prosecutor Jaafar al-Moussawi said the 68-year-old was being fed via a tube. Court spokesman Raed Juhi said Saddam Hussein's condition was stable.

"His health has not deteriorated and he will be in the dock when the court decides to hear him," said Mr. Juhi.
The prosecution has called for the execution of the former president and two others for the deaths of 148 villagers during a crackdown in the village of Dujail after an assassination attempt in 1982.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to hold talks with his Iraqi counterpart Nouri Maliki in London.
Topping the agenda will be the unrest still plaguing Iraq and what steps its government has taken to combat it since taking office two months ago.