Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and seven of his former officials are in court Monday as their trial resumes on the charge of crimes against humanity.
Television cameras in the courtroom showed the accused, who wore traditional headscarves. Saddam, with a Koran under his arm, was the last defendant to enter the chamber.
Saddam briefly argued with the court about his rights, and demanded the judge exercise his sovereignty over what he characterized as a trial by Iraq's invaders.
Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark and former Qatari Justice Minister Najib al-Nueimi are sitting with the defense team as advisers. Analysts say their presence is meant to give the defense more international credibility.
Following a five-week break in the trial, prosecutors are now expected to call witnesses to testify about the deaths of more than 140 Shi'ite villagers in Dujail following an assassination attempt against Saddam in 1982.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.