BAGHDAD- Iraq’s former deputy prime minister, Tariq Aziz, goes on trial Tuesday on charges related to the execution of 42 businessmen in 1992.Aziz became internationally known as Saddam Hussein’s defender and fierce America critic after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and the following 1991 Gulf War.

He was later promoted to deputy prime minister and often represented Iraq at the United Nations and other international forums.

Aziz has been held for five years without charge and is said to be in poor health. He is on trial for signing the execution orders for 42 businessmen tried and executed in 1992 on charges of manipulating food prices.

If convicted, Aziz faces the death penalty.

Source:  VOA News