Saddam Hussein appeared before an Iraqi judge today as the new government took the first steps towards bringing him to justice.
The deposed dictator and 11 of his lieutenants were turned over to face Iraqi justice nearly 15 months after US-led forces overthrew him. They will stay under US military guard.
The former President is reported to have said 'Good morning' and asked if he could ask some questions. He was told he should wait until tomorrow.
The 67-year-old looked in good health and sat in a chair during the closed proceedings.
His former aides appeared nervous or hostile and one of them, Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as Chemical Ali for his role in using chemical weapons, was shaking.
The former ruler is accused by Iraqis of ordering the killing and torture of thousands of people during 35 years of Baathist rule.
He has been held as a prisoner of war since US forces found him hiding in a hole near his hometown, Tikrit, on 13 December last.
He will now be subject to Iraqi criminal law. His trial is likely to be several months away. Iraq's national security adviser said it would be broadcast live on television.
Three hurt in car bomb attack
In a separate incident, three Iraqi policemen were wounded when a car bomb exploded outside police headquarters in the southern city of Samawa, where Japanese troops from the coalition forces are based.
It is the first car bomb attack since the handover of power last Monday.
