Iraqi security forces were on alert and a curfew was expected to keep Baghdad locked down on Sunday when Saddam Hussein hears the verdict in his trial for crimes against humanity. If convicted, the ousted Iraqi president could be sentenced to hang.
Saddam's chief lawyer Khalil al-Dulaimi said on Friday Saddam believed the verdict was timed to boost President George W. Bush before US mid-term elections on November 7, and urged a delay. He warned of bloodshed if Saddam is sentenced to death.
National Security Adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie told local television stations a curfew would be imposed in Baghdad and the provinces of Diyala and Salahaddin, Saddam's home province. Iraqiya state television said there would be a curfew on Sunday and Baghdad airport would be closed, but another senior official said others in the government were against a curfew, and a decision would be taken later on Saturday.
Saddam, 69, and seven co-accused have been charged with crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shi'ite villagers after an attempt on his life in the town of Dujail in 1982.
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