Human Rights Watch has expressed concerns that Iraq's war crimes tribunals will be flawed, unfair and lacking in credibility.
The New York-based organization said Friday that the tribunal has serious human rights shortcomings, and that the Iraqi government will need to change the process to make sure the trials are fair. Among its recommendations are that Iraq enlist international legal experts, inform defendants of their rights and allow them to be questioned in the presence of their lawyers.
Investigative hearings for some of Saddam Hussein's top lieutenants are expected to begin next week. Charges against them include participating in crimes against Iraqi Kurds and Shi'ites.
On Thursday, Saddam met with his attorney for the first time since his capture more than a year ago.
Some information for this report provided by afp and Reuters.