The trial of Saddam Hussein and seven others accused of crimes against humanity resumed in Baghdad this morning.
The former Iraqi leader, who was toppled in the 2003 US-led invasion, was not present in the heavily-guarded courtroom as proceedings began around 11am (8 am Irish time).
Chief Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman said witnesses for three other defendants in the case would take the stand during the session, all former local officials of Saddam's Baath party.
Saddam and his co-defendants are accused of killing and torturing Shia villagers after a failed assassination bid against him in the town of Dujail in 1982.
Some of Saddam's lawyers complained that he and some other defendants had not been called for the session.
"We let you attend so you can respond to anything the witnesses may say that affects your clients," the judge replied.
Saddam and the others, including his half-brother Barzan al-Tikriti, a former intelligence chief, were formally charged with crimes against humanity
yesterday after a three-week recess following the completion of the prosecution's case.
An angry Saddam refused to enter a plea. The judge dismissed his defence that he had immunity and was still president. He entered a formal "not guilty" plea on Saddam's behalf.