Written by: Beck
The first of the
Iraqi war crimes trials are set to get rolling. First up to bad: Chemical Ali.
War crimes proceedings against members of Saddam Hussein's former regime could begin as early as next week, a well-informed observer told CNN.
An Iraqi investigative judge will hold pre-trial investigative hearings, to question the accused and determine if trials were warranted, the source said.
Hassan al-Majid -- also known as "Chemical Ali" -- and another Iraqi military commander were expected to have the first hearings.
The hearings will be confidential, and the suspects will have rights similar to those in U.S. courts, including the right to counsel and the right to remain silent.
Not necessarily huge news, but it's nice to hear something out of Iraq that doesn't involve improvised explosive devices or beheadings.
That, and I once somehow earned the nickname, "Chemical Beck." Actually, this entire post was just an excuse to mention the nickname.
Someone even had a shirt made.
