The U.S. military says it is investigating the source of photographs published Friday, that show Saddam Hussein in his prison cell in Iraq.
The photographs, some of which show Saddam in his underwear, have appeared on the front pages of newspapers in London, The Sun , the New York Post and on television worldwide.
One tabloid contends the photos were furnished by members of the U.S. military, allegedly in the hope that the embarrassing pictures of the former Iraqi leader would discourage insurgents who have been fighting against the country's new democratic government.
However, a U.S. spokesman in Iraq says the unauthorized release of the picture violated military guidelines "and possibly Geneva Convention guidelines for the humane treatment of detained individuals."
American officials say an investigation is under way into who took the pictures as well as who distributed them to news media.
Saddam is expected to stand trial later this year on charges of genocide, torture and crimes against humanity - charges that could result in the death penalty upon conviction.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
