The trial of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and his seven co-accused finally got underway on December 5, after two brief hearings on October 18 and November 28. Defense lawyers first contested the legitimacy of the tribunal and then petitioned the court to hear Ramsey Clark, the former American Attorney-General who has become the figurehead for defense teams. The court heard the first direct testimonies from witnesses and then the former dictator refused to attend court on December 7. The trial was adjourned until December 21.