Iraq reporter update: Rejects help from lawyer who defended Saddam - and invitation by Hugo Chavez

[sabra]

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1448815.php/Shoe-thrower_rejects_Saddam_defender_many_other_offers_copy__2nd_Roundup__

<snip>

The outpouring of offerings by lawyers to defend him was triggered by remarks from al-Bairaqdar, who announced on Tuesday that al-Zaidi wanted an Iraqi lawyer to defend him.

When al-Dulaimi came forward with his offer of defence and added that there were more than 200 other Arab and international lawyers offering to join the team, the journalist said no.

Though al-Dulaimi is an Iraqi lawyer, al-Zaidi refused his offer because al-Dulaimi had headed the team defending toppled Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, who was hanged on December 30, 2006.

...

Later, al-Baghdadiya reported that the 29-year-old al-Zaidi told his brother by phone that he is in good health and that he needs a team of lawyers to defend him in front of the Iraqi Criminal court.

Oudai also turned down an invitation by the Venezuelan President to come and live in the Latin American country.

'We are grateful to President Hugo Chavez. However we are Iraqis, we live in Iraq,' Oudai said speaking on the behalf of his family.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. "in good health"? Does that simply mean he is not dead?

[sabra]

2. remember he is talking to his brother - usually that's something one would

say to a family member... I also believe his main concern is not spending 15 years in an Iraqi jail.

[G_j]

3. I don't think I'd want a lawyer whose client was hanged either..

I do think that in a fair world he would have a legitimate and compelling defense, and Bush would be on trial.

[malaise]

4. I like this family

nationalist and independent.

[stillcool]

5. That was a nice gesture by Hugo...