By Country / Iraq
17 Bodies Found As Iraqi Sectarian Violence Continues
April 17, 2006
Sectarian violence in Iraq has been increasing this month. A man sits by the gate of a destroyed mosque at the site of a suicide car-bomb attack east of Baghdad on April 4 (epa)
The dead included the brother of prominent Sunni politician Saleh al-Mutlak.
No further progress was reported in the stalemate on forming a government of national unity. Talks among Sunni, Shi’ite, and Kurdish politicians continue.
Meanwhile, the trial of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein resumed today but was adjourned until April 19 to allow the prosecution more time to verify documents.
The former Iraqi dictator and seven co-defendants are on trial for the deaths of 148 Shi'a following a 1982 assassination attempt on Hussein in the town of Al-Dujayl.
During today's hearing, handwriting experts confirmed Hussein's signature on documents authorizing the crackdown on Shi'a from Al-Dujayl. Hussein's lawyer rejected the findings.
(compiled from agency reports)