Standing trial: Saddam Hussein

Hussein appeared in a tightly secured courtroom. He and his co-defendants -- all top officials from his regime -- sat in two rows, with Saddam in the front.

It could be the first of several trials for atrocities carried out during his 23-year-rule.

Emotions are running high among relatives of those killed over two decades ago.

This TV grab from Iraqi TV channel al-Iraqiya shows Hussein appearing before an Iraqi court.

Photographs: Getty Images