Frail but defiant, Saddam rejects court's authority.(Main)

Byline: HAMZA HENDAWI Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A defiant Saddam Hussein quarreled with judges and scuffled with guards at the opening of his long-awaited trial Wednesday, rejecting the tribunal's right to judge the ousted leader and insisting he is still the president of Iraq.

Despite his swagger, Saddam appeared gaunt and frail as he pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, torture, forced expulsions and illegal detentions. He wore a suit with a white shirt and no tie.

If convicted, the 68-year-old Saddam and seven of his regime's henchmen who appeared with him in the hearing could face the death penalty for their role in the 1982 killing of …