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Saddam Hussein in Court

Before Iraqis can build a stable government based on the country's new constitution, they must finish old business. Former dictator Saddam Hussein is on trial. Last week, Iraqis told the court how they suffered during Hussein's rule.

Hussein and seven other former leaders are being tried for killing more than 140 Shiite Muslims in the town of Dujail in 1982. Hussein, a Sunni Muslim, ruled the country from 1979 until he was forced from power by a U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Officials say he was responsible for as many as 300,000 deaths. Many Iraqis say that Hussein tortured, jailed or killed those who stood up to him.

The trial began in October in a special court in Baghdad, Iraq's capital. Hussein claims he is not guilty and has disrupted the court several times.

Last Tuesday, five witnesses testified. All were hidden behind a screen, and their voices were disguised. A woman known only as Witness A cried while telling the court of beatings and electric shocks she suffered at the hands of former officials. She blamed Hussein. "When so many people are jailed and tortured, who makes such a decision?" she asked.

The trial will continue on December 21. Meanwhile, Iraqis are set to elect a new parliament on December 15.

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