Iraq scrambles to fix Saddam trial glitches

An intermittent courtroom audio signal, an informal English translation that constantly broke up, and the inability of reporters and witnesses to see the defendants' faces -- just some of the problems that bedevilled the first day.

But by the time the trial reopens on November 28 the most pressing issues should be fixed, said US embassy spokesman David Culkin.

Washington allocated 75 million dollars in May 2004 to help fund court security and building infrastructure, as well as train Iraqi judges and collect evidence of abuses during Saddam's regime.

"They spent 75 million dollars and had months to prepare, and this is the best they could come up with?" shouted one television reporter in a fit of exasperation when the audio system broke down.

Both reporters and a gallery of 25 some witnesses, which included big names such as Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Chalabi and speaker Hussein Sharastani -- imprisoned during Saddam's regime -- had similar problems following the proceedings.

US marshals and Iraqi security guards with automatic weapons ushered journalists and guests into large machines for a full body X-ray scan before entering the complex.

To enter the fourth floor courtroom visitors had to walk into another full body X-ray machine.

When the trial finally opened and Saddam entered into the courtroom, some 25 reporters from around the world witnessing the historic event from behind a glass partition could not hear the defendants.

As Saddam lectured presiding judge Rizkar Mohammed Amin on the legality of the court and there was still no audio, reporters became agitated.