Al-Sharq Al-Awsat: Saddam trial is due before year end

Toppled Iraqi president Saddam Hussein will go on trial on charges of crimes against humanity by the end of the year, the country's interim defence minister has said.

Hazim Shaalan made the remarks to the London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat on Tuesday.

Pressed on whether Saddam's trial would open before Iraqi elections scheduled for 30 January, the minister said "Yes, before the elections." The remarks contradict a statement by a US official in Baghdad in September that Saddam, who is currently in US custody in Iraq, is unlikely to go on trial before the end of the year.

The official said 21 investigative judges were working on different issues, and that more time was needed to prepare the prosecution of former Iraqi officials charged with multiple crimes.

He also said the deteriorating security situation in Iraq was impeding the collection of evidence - for instance making exhumations in parts of the country almost impossible.

Saddam, who held power for nearly 25 years, faces seven charges encompassing war crimes and crimes against humanity.