Published: May 20, 2008 07:28 am         

Iraqi court resumes trial of Saddam lieutenant

BAGHDAD (AP) — An Iraqi court has resumed hearing the case against Tariq Aziz and seven other former regime officials who face charges in the 1992 execution of dozens of merchants.

Aziz, 72, is the former deputy prime minister and one of Saddam Hussein’s best-known lieutenants. He walked into the court Tuesday using a cane.

The other defendants include Saddam’s cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as Chemical Ali. He already was sentenced to death in another case.

They are facing charges stemming from the 1992 executions of 42 merchants accused by Saddam’s government of profiteering when the country was under strict U.N. sanctions. They face the death penalty if convicted.