Saddam's lawyers boycott trial

Baghdad: Saddam Hussein's lawyers said on Monday they will boycott the toppled leader's trial until a sweeping series of demands are met, following the killing of a third member of the defence team last month.

In a statement issued hours after the trial began hearing final arguments in defence of one of Saddam's minor co-accused, the defence team said:

"We will suspend our attendance from July 10 until the following fair demands are met."

The six demands included more security and a probe into the lawyer's killing.

"The American authorities should be committed to provide adequate protection to the Iraqi lawyers and their families," the statement said.

The defence team also slammed, as "striking interference in judicial affairs" comments made earlier this month by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, in which the Shi'ite leader said he hoped Saddam would be executed soon.