Saddam’s trial delayed again

Baghdad, Iraq Judges in the trial of Saddam Hussein tried to remove a newly appointed chief judge Tuesday, a dispute that forced an abrupt postponement of the proceedings and deepened the turmoil in what was supposed to be a landmark in Iraq’s political progress.

Saddam’s lawyers were quick to capitalize on the disarray, saying the confusion provided fresh evidence the former leader could not get a fair trial in Iraq.

Since its Oct. 19 start, the trial has been defined by delays, chaotic outbursts by Saddam, the assassination of two defense lawyers and a judge’s decision last month to step down after learning that one of the defendants may have been responsible for his brother’s execution.

After a nearly five-hour delay Tuesday, court official Raid Juhi told reporters the hearing had been put off until Sunday because several witnesses and complainants were performing the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and could not appear in court.

But two judges involved in the case told the Associated Press the real reason for the delay was disagreement over who should replace chief judge Rizqar Mohammed Amin.

Taliban rebels escape from Kabul prison

Kabul, Afghanistan Seven Taliban rebels disguised themselves as visitors to escape a high-security prison in Kabul that is being refurbished for the arrival of terror suspects from the U.S. detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, officials said Tuesday.

The breakout from the crumbling Policharki Prison on the outskirts of the capital comes six months after four al-Qaida members, including one of Osama bin Laden’s top lieutenants in Southeast Asia, broke out of a jail at Bagram, the U.S. military’s headquarters north of Kabul.

The seven men convinced their guards to let them walk out of the overcrowded prison Sunday by marking their hands with a fake ink stamp similar to one used to identify visitors to the jail, said Deputy Minister for Justice Mohammad Qasim Hashimzai. The prisoners do not wear uniforms and the stamp is the main method used to differentiate between detainees and visitors, he said.

Police launched a manhunt for the seven. Ten prison guards who are suspected of helping the men escape or of failing in their duties have been arrested.

Mexico has its version of Rock the Vote

Mexico City A Mexican group has launched its own version of the U.S. Rock the Vote campaign, aimed at persuading young and apathetic voters to cast ballots in the July 2 presidential election.

Reflecting the U.S. effort during the 2004 election, the Mexican campaign will bring together a range of youth entertainers who will stress the importance of voting to an audience more attuned to the latest hit song, organizers said.

“We are urging people to defend the democracy that cost us so much,” said Francisco Huidobro, a guitarist with the popular rock group Fobia.

Census figures show that Mexicans from age 18 to 34 make up the country’s largest potential voting block, claiming about half of the nation’s 107 million potential voters. However, just 60 percent in that age bracket are registered to vote. Campaign organizers say they hope to register another 7 million young people before July.