The trial for Saddam and his seven top aides on charges for the killing of Shiite villagers in Dujail in 1982 was the third session after two earlier adjournments on Oct. 19 and Nov. 28,respectively.

Shortly after the start of Monday's session, Saddam's defense team, including former US attorney general Ramsey Clark, walked out of the court in protest against the legitimacy of the court.

The chief judge then ordered a 10-minute recess.

Saddam's defense team walks out of court

International adviser to Saddam Hussein's defense team and former Qatari justice minister Najeeb al-Nauimi (center) addresses the court yesterday as Khalil Dulaimi (right), Saddam's head attorney, listens. Members of Saddam's defense team include former U.S. attorney general Ramsey Clark (left) and Jordanian Issam Ghazawi. (Xinhua Photo)

The hearing started at 11:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) and Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin ordered Saddam and his seven co-defendants to enter the courtroom without handcuffs.

Saddam was the last to enter the courtroom, carrying a Koran,the Muslim holy book.

The defense team wanted to question the legitimacy of the court and security of the defense team, but Amin refused to hear.

Shortly after the start of the session, the defense team,including former US attorney general Ramsey Clark, walked out of the court in protest against the legitimacy of the court.

The chief judge then ordered a 10-minute recess, and the session was suspended to allow the defense team time to confer.

Concerns over the security of the defense team were raised after two lawyers for Saddam and his co-defendents were assassinated.

Saddam trial resumes after recess

Trial for the former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and his seven top aides resumed after a 10-minute recess on Monday, while lawyers returned to the courtroom of which they previously walked out in protest against the legitimacy of the court.

The judges reversed their earlier rulings, allowing former US attorney general Ramsey Clark and another foreign defense lawyer to address the session on Monday.

After the recess, Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin allowed Clark and former Qatari Justice Minister Najib al-Nueimi to speak on the questions of the legitimacy of the court and safety of the lawyers.

"This trial can divide or heal. Unless it is seen as absolutely fair, and fair in fact, it will divide rather than reconcile Iraq," said Clark.

First witness testifies in Saddam trial

The first witness testified on court after trial for former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and his seven top aides resumed on Monday in central Baghdad.

Ahmed Hassan Mohammed al-Dujaili testified for charges against Saddam and his aides on the 1982 killing of 148 Shiite villagers in Dujail village, north of Baghdad, of which the accused all pled not guilty.

If convicted, the accused may face death penalty.