Saddam claims Americans beat, tortured him
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-22 16:25

"I know of nothing that would substantiate such a claim," McCormack said. "Look, he's been given to grandstanding in this trial, but where the focus should be is on the testimony of those people who were victimized by the tyranny, the oppression and the violence of Saddam Hussein. That's what people should be listening to."

According to the Pentagon, the Iraqi government has legal custody and control of Saddam, while U.S. forces maintain his physical custody in a detention facility.

Inside the courtroom, the judge struggled, sometimes unsuccessfully, to maintain order as the procedures at times seemed to slip out of control.

Ibrahim insulted witnesses, calling one a "dog." He also launched rambling diatribes and menacingly wagged his finger at prosecutors and court guards.

Saddam also interrupted al-Haidari's testimony to ask the judge if the court could take a break for prayer. Although the witness agreed, the judge ordered the trial to continue. About 10 minutes later, Saddam swung to the left, closed his eyes and repeatedly bowed his head in prayer, the first time he has done that in court.

"Even if any of you doesn't pray, the constitution of the state, be it the one signed by Saddam Hussein or the constitution that was dictated to the Iraqis by the American adviser, states that Islam is the religion of the state. I alerted you twice that it was time for prayers, but you ignored me."

"I didn't ignore you," the judge responded.

"How can you put God on hold?" Saddam asked.

Muslims are required to pray five days a day at specific times.

In the 1980's, Iraq under Saddam was one of the most secular Arab states in the Middle East and Baghdad had some of the most vibrant nightlife in the region.

Following Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and as U.N.-imposed sanctions ground down the Iraqi economy, Saddam outwardly became more pious. He was seen praying and launching campaigns to reinforce the faith. Bars were restricted and nightlife became more muted.

Critics said his praying in court was a further effort to reach out to increasingly conservative Iraqis.

"Those who know Saddam well will not be duped by these scenarios. He kept trying hard to affect Iraqis emotionally and religiously and trying to deliver a message that he is a victim and not a tyrant," said Mariam al-Rayes, a Shiite legislator.