Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was Wednesday refusing to enter the court for the resumption of his trial and was meeting with his defence lawyers, sources told reporters.
"There been a delay because one of the defendants is refusing to come up to the court. That defendant is now meeting with his attorneys," sources said.
"If he doesn't come they come up they will make other arrangements," an official added, subsequently using the name Saddam.
After the hearing was adjourned Tuesday, Saddam's parting words had been, "Go to hell."
Under Iraqi law, individuals can be tried in absentia, but the official said presiding judge Rizkar Mohammed Amin would want to make sure the defendant is involved.
Saddam Hussein was locked in talks with his lawyers over his refusal to appear in court, delaying his trial, court officials said.
After telling reporters to return to the gallery for an expected resumption of proceedings around 0415 hrs IST, officials later asked them to leave again and said the procedural wrangling was taking place behind closed doors.
It was unclear when or if the hearing would start. "The issues haven't been resolved yet," one official said, without elaborating.