Saddam ‘confesses’ according to Iraq head

Saddam Hussein has confessed to crimes during his regime - including executions - and deserves to die, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has said.

Mr Talabani told Iraqi state TV a judge “was able to extract confessions” from the ousted leader.

“Saddam deserves a death sentence 20 times a day because he tried to assassinate me 20 times,” he said.

The Iraqi government last week confirmed that Saddam Hussein would go on trial on 19 October.

Saddam Hussein could face the capital punishment if found guilty in the case.