Undignified, but not a farce

The Economist on the trial of Saddam Hussein

The hearings have at times resembled a bear pit rather than a model trial. But other high-profile trials, including that of Slobodan Milosevic in The Hague, got off to equally bumpy starts. And despite its lack of experience, the all-Iraqi court has made solid progress under difficult conditions. It has taken evidence from some 25 witnesses involved in the massacre of 148 Shias in the village of Dujail in 1982—the first case to be brought against Mr Hussein. Though still feeling its way, it has by and large adhered to international standards of due process. And, far from being silenced, the defendants have if anything had too much freedom to have their say.