The trial of Saddam Hussein and seven co-defendants has been adjourned until 5 December in order to give one defendant time to get legal representation.
Earlier today, the trial of the deposed Iraqi leader heard its first evidence. The court in Baghdad heard video testimony from a witness who died recently.
Saddam Hussein made a typically defiant appearance in court. He reproached the judge over his treatment, saying that he had been denied a pen to sign documents.
Alongside the former Iraqi leader were seven of his former aides. All are accused of ordering the massacre of 148 Shias in the Iraqi town of Dujail in 1982. All have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial is taking place in a specially constructed courtroom in Baghdad where security has been tightened after two defence lawyers were murdered.
Meanwhile, as many as 500 people demonstrated in Saddam's hometown of Tikrit, north of Baghdad, in support of the former dictator.
Amid a heavy security presence the demonstrators, including students, carried pictures of Saddam and promised to sacrifice themselves 'blood and soul' for the former dictator.
