The trial of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and his seven co-defendants over alleged Dujail massacre resumed in Baghdad on Monday.

Chief Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman began the 32nd session with hearing two testimonies of defense witnesses for Saddam's co- defendant Ali Daiyh Ali, a former Saddam Baath party official.

Rahman said that the court would only hear the two witnesses, who would speak from behind a curtain, as the rest of the defense witnesses were absent.

The chief judge said that 57 defense witnesses have appeared in the court to date, including 19 of them who took the stand for Saddam Hussein.

Saddam and his seven co-defendants are indicted for charges of crimes against humanity including the Dujail killing.

If convicted, Saddam and his aides might face death penalty.

Source: Xinhua