The US military has confirmed that some of Saddam Hussein's lieutenants went on hunger strike over the weekend.
A US military spokesman said seven of a group of 11 prisoners that includes Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as "Chemical Ali", have been refusing some meals.
The 67-year-old former president, held separately from his former aides, was not among those who were refusing some food.
Former deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz, once Saddam's urbane envoy to the outside world, and former vice-president Taha Yassin Ramadan were among dozens refusing food, Aziz's lawyer said.
Nearly all of the 55 "most wanted" Iraqis sought by US troops after the war are held at a secret location.
Aziz's lawyer, Mr Aref Badia, said they were complaining of lack of access to lawyers - Mr Badia has yet to meet his client Aziz in detention - and were concerned that they may be placed physically in the hands of Iraqis following the country's election on January 30th.
"They heard they are going to be handed over after the elections to an Iraqi government they will not recognise," Badia said.
While legally in Iraqi custody since Washington restored sovereignty to an interim government in Baghdad six months ago, the detainees are guarded by US personnel.