Judge in Saddam trial deflects criticism

The chief judge in Saddam Hussein's trial brushed aside prosecution demands to step down for letting the ousted president make political statements, as more witnesses on Wednesday told of chemical attacks against Kurds.

Chief prosecutor Minqith al-Faroon took offense at Saddam's remarks during Tuesday's session, when the ousted president lashed out at "agents of Iran and Zionism" and threatened to "crush the heads" of his accusers.