Saddam trial evidence may have been lost

Noite Escura

The unpredictable
Key Saddam trial evidence 'lost'

By Pam O'Toole
BBC News


Human Rights Watch says it is likely crucial evidence for the trials of Saddam Hussein and other former Iraqi officials has been lost or tainted.
US-led coalition forces failed to secure relevant sites after last year's invasion of Iraq, the group says.

They failed to prevent people from looting thousands of official documents from government buildings.

The US-based human rights organisation has published a 41-page report entitled Iraq: the State of the Evidence.


Saddam Hussein is expected to go on trial some time next year

Coalition forces also failed to stop relatives of some of the many thousands of people who disappeared during Saddam Hussein's rule from digging up remains found at some mass grave sites, the organisation says.

Human Rights Watch says the availability of solid documentary and forensic evidence will be a key to the success of any trials in Iraq, corroborating and providing extra weight to witness testimonies.

But it says it is likely some evidence has been tainted or lost because of inaction or negligence by US-led coalition forces.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3981107.stm
 
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