10:10 AM PDT, June 12, 2006
BAGHDAD — The trial of Saddam Hussein reached a moment of high drama today when four defense witnesses recanted previous testimony, swearing in written statements that Hussein's lawyers had bribed them to lie in court.
The witnesses testified that Khalil Dulaymi, one of the lead defense attorneys, had paid hundreds of dollars and promised life-long salaries to the witnesses if they testified that several of executed prisoners, in fact, were alive and well.
During clandestine meetings in Syria, as well as Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, Dulaymi and others had conspired with the witnesses, telling them what to say in court, the witnesses now say. The new allegations against the defense team — and counter-allegations from the defense charging the court with intimidation and threats — were not the only surprises on today.
Appearing in court for the first time, an American attorney for the defense said the court was violating the rights of the defendants.
"As I'm sure any experienced judge will know, it is highly improper for anyone other than the defense lawyers to speak to the defense witnesses," said Curt Doebbler, responding to the new and explosive testimony by the defense witnesses. "We find it quite unfortunate that anybody is speaking with them, even if they are authorized by the court, when it is not in open court."