BATTLE FOR SADDAM, THE
NEW VERSION containing exclusive material revealing U.S. officials pulling the strings in this behind-the-scenes story of one of most important trials of the century
Three years in the making, this film documents the Saddam trial as it unfolded, focusing on the struggles of the people closest to events and the obstacles they faced
An Historic Event
Saddam faced charges of torturing and murdering 148 Shia Muslims in the town of Dujail in 1982, which eventually led to the hanging of Saddam in December 2006. During the trial Saddam was accused of the genocide of thousands of Kurds in 1988 in Northern Iraq. This case was abandoned as the new Iraqi government made sure that Saddam Hussein had already been executed for his Dujial crimes.
The Prosecution Team
The film focuses on Chief prosecutor Jaafar al-Moussawi, his work, his beliefs and his fears when he has to face what used to be his country’s sovereign leader. Al-Moussawi had to link Saddam Hussein directly to the killings. However, even though it seemed like a cut-and-dried case the court was constantly interrupted and in constant danger of turning into a farce.
The Defence Team
Saddam Hussein and his daughter appointed a number of lawyers: among them the American civil rights activist Ramsey Clark, who later left the trial in protest at what he believed was a show trial for the Americans. During the trial two of the defence lawyers were killed for their contribution.
The remaining defence team displayed showing its loyalty to Saddam by not showing up in court in protest at what they regarded as an American-led trial with a predetermined verdict.
The Americans
The film reveals US officials trying to influence the course of the trial to a conviction in the interest of The United States. The long version of the film could not be released before these officials had left Iraq and were safe back at home.
- Release year:
- 2007
- Director:
- Esteban Uyarra
- Producer:
- Mette Heide
- Co production:
- BBC, ZDF/ARTE, SVT, TSR, RTBF
- Running length:
- 48 / 75 minutes
- Production company:
- Team Productions ApS for TV2/DANMARK
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