Saddam Hussein listens to one of the prosecutors as his trial resumes in Baghdad, Tuesday

Prosecutors at the trial of Saddam Hussein have presented a document they said is signed by Saddam approving the execution of 148 Shi'ite Muslim villagers.

The prosecutors Tuesday said the June 1984 document confirmed the death sentences passed by a tribunal.

Saddam and seven others are on trial for the killings in Dujail, which happened in a crackdown following an assassination attempt against Saddam.

Their trial resumed briefly Tuesday after a two week break with the defendants and their legal team present. They had boycotted previous sessions.

Chief Judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman announced the five-judge panel rejected a defense request to remove him and the chief prosecutor from the trial.

Saddam's head defense lawyer Khalil al-Dulaimi said he would appeal the decision and asked for a halt in the court's proceedings. He then walked out of the court.

The trial has been adjourned until Wednesday. The defendants face hanging if convicted.