Comments Made by Saddam During Trials

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein eyeballs witness Ahmad Hassan Mohammed Al Dujaili as he testifies in open court during Saddam's trial in Baghdad in this Dec. 5 2005. The witnesses to Saddam Hussein's impending execution gathered Friday, Dec. 29, 2006 in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone in final preparation for his hanging, as state television broadcast footage of his regime's atrocities. (AP Photo / David Furst, Pool, File) (David Furst - AP)

-- Comments made by Saddam Hussein during his two trials:

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"I realize there is pressure on you and I regret that I have to confront one of my sons. But I'm not doing it for myself. I'm doing it for Iraq. I'm not defending myself. But I am defending you." _ Dec. 5, 2005, speaking to judge at his first trial, for killings of 148 Iraqi Shiite Muslims from Dujail.

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"I am not afraid of execution." _ Dec. 5, 2005, nearly a year before he was sentenced to death.

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"I'm not complaining about the Americans, because I can poke their eyes with my own hands." _ Dec. 21, 2005, after accusing American guards of beating him.

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"For 35 years I led you, and you say, 'Eject him?' ... For 35 years, I administered your rights." _ Jan. 29, 2006, to chief judge who ordered Saddam be removed from the courtroom.

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"Where is the crime? Where is the crime?" _ March 1, after declaring he ordered trial of 148 Shiites who were eventually executed, because he suspected them of involvement in assassination attempt.

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