Unpacking Show Trials: Situating the Trial of Saddam Hussein

摘要

Not since the trials of the Nazi leaders at the first international war crimes court in Nuremberg has such a prominent mass murderer been brought to account. The proceedings will doubtless be televised. With the eyes of the world on it, the [Hussein trial] will be a great show. On November 5, 2006, guards led Saddam Hussein into the defendant's dock of a tense courtroom in Baghdad. Ordered to stand, Mr. Hussein took a seat instead, telling the judge in a mocking voice that he could hear him just as well from his seat. The judge sent two bailiffs to raise the former dictator to his feet. When one touched him, Mr. Hussein cried out, "You stupid man, there's no need to twist my arm!" Then he stood to hear the decision of the Iraqi Special Tribunal ("IST") in the Dujail case.