But he insisted that this was done according to the law.

Speaking to a Baghdad courtroom, Hussein also called for the release of his co-defendants, saying he was the only one responsible for those events.

Hussein, along with seven co-defendants, is charged with crimes against humanity over the 1982 killing of 148 Shi'ite Muslims following a failed assassination attempt in the village of Al-Dujayl.

The trial has been adjourned until 12 March.