A combative Saddam Hussein formally took the stand at his trial today and urged Iraqis to fight "invaders", prompting the judge to bar reporters from the court the former president denounced as a "comedy".
"I call on the people to start resisting the invaders instead of killing each other," Saddam told the chamber.
The toppled leader warned Iraqis to avoid civil war in a country he ruled with an iron fist for three decades, otherwise "you will live in darkness and rivers of blood".
Apparently fearful that, among other factors, fiery rhetoric from Saddam could incite violence, court officials have reserved the right to censor proceedings despite describing the trial as transparent.
Saddam and seven co-accused could face hanging if convicted on charges of crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shi'ites after an assassination attempt on him in the town of Dujail in 1982.
Court sessions have been frequently dominated by tirades from Saddam and his former intelligence chief Barzan al-Tikriti in a trial already marred by boycotts and the killing of two defence lawyers.
Wearing a dark suit, white shirt and no tie, Saddam calmly read from a yellow notebook in the US-sponsored court.
As he began making a political speech, chief judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman began closing his microphone until finally declaring the court closed to the public. The judge later reopened the court.
A heated exchange also erupted between Saddam and Abdel Rahman, who told him his days as Iraqi leader were over.
"Don't make a political speech. Now you are a defendant. This is your destiny and your role (as president) is over. Defend yourself and avoid political speeches," he told Saddam.
Saddam responded: "If it was not for politics I would not be here and neither would you."
Calling the court a "comedy against Saddam Hussein and his comrades", the former president repeated slogans that Iraqis heard in his pan-Arab Baathist state for years, describing himself as the "sword" of the Iraqi people.
The trial was adjourned until April 5.