In a letter sent to the presiding judge of the Iraqi High Tribunal, a copy of which his lawyers said they had received from Saddam and which was also obtained by AFP, the former dictator explained why he was boycotting the trial.

"The tribunal is lacking in all procedures established by international and Iraqi law," it said.

"For this reason, it seems there is a wish to condemn us for malicious American intentions, supported by collaborators in Iraq who believe they can alienate us from issues affecting our country if we are found guilty of crimes against humanity."

Saddam signed the letter "president and commander-in-chief of the sacred armed forces".

"You and everyone else knows that we did not become Iraq's leaders through political or financial channels, and did not assume our responsibilities because of planes and tanks, but through the will of our great people and in line with conscience, historic wish and the decision of our people, as demonstrated in several referendums," the letter added.