TUCSON, Arizona, 30 November 2005 — The White House on Monday shrugged off questions about a former US attorney general and left-wing activist joining Saddam Hussein’s legal team, saying the ousted strongman faced “Iraqi justice.” Ramsey Clark, who made several visits to Iraq in the run-up to the 2003 US invasion, was formally sworn in earlier as one of Saddam’s lawyers although he did not speak as Saddam’s trial resumed after a 40-day break.
“Saddam Hussein is facing Iraqi justice for his crimes against humanity, and that’s the way it should be. And there should be due process afforded to all leaders of the regime,” said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.
Asked whether it bothered US President George W. Bush that Clark had joined the deposed ruler’s legal team, McClellan replied: “It’s not something I’ve discussed with the president.”
