The trial of the former Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, has been adjourned until 21 December.
Earlier, Mr Hussein refused to appear in court for the latest session of the trial.
He had complained about the conditions in which he is being held and how the trial is being conducted.
Mr Hussein’s lawyer, Khalil al-Dulaimi, thanked the judge for allowing the trial to resume without the chief defendant, although the former president's seven co-accused all took their seats in the dock.
The trial was due to hear from more witnesses today about a massacre of Shi’ite villagers in the early 1980s after two days of harrowing testimony from witnesses who said they were tortured and beaten.
The court earlier reconvened in a closed session to resolve unspecified 'procedural issues' after the former Iraqi president refused to appear for today's hearing.
Saddam Hussein met his defence lawyers after refusing to enter the courtroom, delaying the resumption of his trial.
A court spokesman said at the time that if he did not come they would make other arrangements.
After the hearing was adjourned yesterday, the former leader's parting words were 'Go to hell'.
