The new regime in Iraq will bring senior figures of Saddam Hussein's ousted regime to court next week for the first time since they appeared before a judge five months ago, and formal indictments could be issued next month.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, one of Saddam Hussein's closest aides and better known as "Chemical Ali", will be the first of Saddam's top deputies to be tried, Iraq's Defence Minister Hazim al-Shalaan said today.
Many have been in custody for more than a year and have not met with lawyers, prompting Saddam's attorneys to cry foul.
Shalaan, speaking to reporters, said the trial could start next week and would definitely take place by mid-January.
The regime figures face charges for crimes allegedly committed during the 35-year Baath Party dictatorship, including war crimes, mass killings and the suppression of the 1991 Shiite rebellion. Saddam, who was arrested a year ago Monday, will not be among those to appear in court next week, The Associated Press has learned.