BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Saddam Hussein appeared headed for a showdown on Monday with the court trying him, after the chief prosecutor said the former Iraqi leader would be forced to attend if he persisted in boycotting proceedings.
Saddam, whose trial for crimes against humanity resumes on Monday following an 11-day break, did not turn up for the last two hearings after he and several of his seven co-accused staged a walkout on January 29.
But chief prosecutor Ja'afar Moussawi signaled on Sunday the court had lost patience with Saddam and his co-defendants, who include his half-brother and former top aides.
"Tomorrow they will attend the trial. If they refuse they will be forced. The court has the authority," he told Reuters.
To this point Saddam has been allowed to turn the court into a stage for his histrionics. It his high time his antics were reigned in so that the trial can proceed without undue interruption. If this means that Saddam has to be bound and gagged until it is appropriate for him to speak then so be it.