AMMAN, Nov 20: Lawyers for Saddam Hussein and his aides said on Sunday they were willing to attend next week’s trial hearing, despite mounting threats to their lives, if the government met their demands for proper protection.

“We are prepared to attend the trial if our demands to secure proper protection are met ... We are ready to attend any moment they tell us and despite our reservations,” said Khalil Dulaimi, head of the defence team, who contacted Reuters by telephone from an undisclosed location.

Dulaimi, who earlier this month announced the defence team was suspending all contacts with the court after the killing of two lawyers, accused his opponents in the judiciary of spreading rumours the defence was boycotting the trial which resumes on Nov. 28 so that they could appoint their own defence team.

“We have not announced a boycott of the trial but a suspension of our work with the court in order to preserve the lives of our colleagues.

“But they want to portray that we have boycotted so they would prepare new lawyers,” Dulaimi said.

Saddam’s trial for crimes against humanity, which began on Oct. 19, is due to resume on Nov. 28.—Reuters