Saddam trial 'legitimate' despite attorneys' murders: US

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States said that the trial of deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein remained legitimate, despite the murder of a third defense lawyer.

The trial, begun in October 2005, "remains a viable, legitimate, credible and important process," State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said.

"There are obviously those who want to undermine it ... because they want to attack and undermine the rule of law and the values of a democratic, pluralistic society," Ereli told reporters at a press briefing.

"So they go after lawyers, they go after judges, they go after prosecutors, they go after witnesses," he said.

"But I would say that there is a strong commitment, both materially, politically and in terms of security, to ensure the integrity and security of those involved in this process, because there is a recognition of its importance, its value and its legacy for Iraq," he said.

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