Transcript: Saddam Hussein Court Hearing

HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Then in the formal capacity, is it permissible to charge an official title? And the person is to be dealt with in violation of the guarantees that are afforded by the constitution. This is the law that you're using to use against me now. This is the crux of the matter, Mr. Judge.

Charges are levied because actions were taken in a system whose president was Saddam Hussein but without presidential guarantees.

JUDGE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I would like you to sign these documents formally, and this will go into the record. Answer to those charges. This is investigation. Answer. If you read the minutes, we say that we postpone the investigation.

HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Then please allow me not to sign anything until the lawyers are present.

JUDGE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): That is fine. But this is your...

HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I speak for myself.

JUDGE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Yes, as a citizen you have the right. But the guarantees you have to sign because these were read to you, recited to you.

HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): (OFF-MIKE)

JUDGE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, no. This is part of the process.

HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, this is not part of the process.

JUDGE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, this is part of the process.

HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Anyway, why are you worried? I will come again before you with the presence of the lawyers, and you will be giving me all of these documents again. So why should we rush any action now and make mistakes because of rushed and hasty decisions or actions?

JUDGE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, this is not a hasty decision- making now. I'm just investigating. And we need to conclude and seal the minutes.

HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, I will sign when the lawyers are present.

JUDGE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Then you can leave.

HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Finished?

JUDGE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Yes.

END