Iraqi Militants Kidnap Judge From Hussein Trial Town

A protester holds a portrait of a victim from Al-Dujayl of the reprisals allegedly ordered by Saddam Hussein (file photo) (AFP)

May 25, 2006 -- Iraqi militants have kidnapped a judge from Al-Dujayl, a town that is currently playing a key role in the trial of Saddam Hussein.

The former Iraqi leader and seven codefendants face charges for the killing of Shi'ites in Al-Dujayl after an assassination attempt against Hussein in 1982.

It is unclear, though, if the kidnapping of Judge Walid Ahmad near Tikrit on May 24 is linked to Hussein's trial.

(AFP, dpa)