Bush Wants Hussein To Get 'Due Justice'

An Iraqi boy displays a photo of a relative killed under Saddam Hussein's rule. The former leader is currently on trial for crimes against humanity and war crimes (file) (AFP) 18 January 2006 -- U.S. President George W. Bush today reiterated that he thinks former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein should be brought to justice.

Bush made his remarks at the White House, where he met with a group of Iraqis who he said have first-hand knowledge of what he called the brutality of Saddam. He reiterated his confidence that an Iraqi court will bring Saddam to justice.

"One of the interesting moments will come here this year when Saddam Hussein's trial is brought forth for the world to see -- to see the butcher, the person who brutalized many people or ordered the brutality of many people here at this table get his due justice under rule of law."

Meanwhile, an Iraqi official today said that the second most important judge at the Saddam trial should not be allowed to replace the resigning chief judge because of claims he is a former Baath party member.

Ali al-Lami, executive head of Iraq's De-Baathification Commission, says that an official objection to the possibility has been sent to the relevant authorities.

(AP, Reuters)