Saddam trial should be fair, says US newspaper

The trial of ex-Iraqi president Saddam Hussein should be fair or it could be construed as an act of revenge, the New York Times said Thursday.

"Saddam's trial can be a significant step toward the rule of law or a detour back to the rule of revenge," the newspaper said in an editorial.

Saddam, captured by US forces last December, appeared at a special tribunal prepared by the US occupation authorities on Thursday.

The former Iraqi leader and his 11 top associates face charges of committing crimes against humanity.

The editorial said the actual trials should not begin until an elected Iraqi government takes power, a step planned for next January.

"Starting them sooner might produce political dividends for the appointed Iraqi interim government or the Bush re-election campaign. But it would not serve justice or help restore Iraq's standing in the international community."

"When the cases do come to court, the lower-ranking defendants should be tried first. That will help clarify the chain of command and is ultimately likely to strengthen the case against Saddam Hussein himself," the article said.

The article said the composition of the special tribunal should be reviewed by the elected government, noting political appointees should be replaced by qualified and independent jurists.

Saddam Hussein appeared before an Iraqi special tribunal on Thursday to hear charges against him of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during his presidency of Iraq.

The hearing came after the end of his status as prisoner of war. This is the first time Saddam appeared before the world since he was captured hiding in a hole in his hometown Tikrit, northern Iraq in December 2003.