Saddam's Family Dismisses Defense Lawyer

Guardian

Tuesday November 2, 2004 5:01 PM


By JAMAL HALABY

Associated Press Writer

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) - Saddam Hussein's family dismissed a prominent Jordanian lawyer who led the ousted Iraqi dictator's defense team, accusing him of seeking ``personal gain and fame'' in the high-profile case, other legal team members said Tuesday.

Saddam's family told Mohammed al-Rashdan in late September he was being relieved of his duties, ``but he did not accept the wish'' until Tuesday, said Ziad al-Khasawneh, spokesman for the lawyers appointed by Saddam's wife, Sajida.

Al-Khasawneh told The Associated Press that al-Rashdan, appointed in January, handed over all relevant documents to Saddam's Jordan-based defense team Tuesday. The team consists of 20 lead lawyers and another 1,500 volunteers.

``Mrs. Sajida and her family had asked him to do so, otherwise he would bear the consequences of his actions,'' he said, without elaborating.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4590730,00.html