BAGHDAD, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The trial of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and his seven codefendants over charges against humanity resumed in a court in Baghdad's heavily-guarded Green Zone on Wednesday.

   More defense witnesses are expected to testify during the session, the 26th since the trial began on October 19, 2005.

   Saddam and his seven aides are facing charges against humanity including the killing of 148 Shiite men in the northern village of Dujail after a failed assassination attempt on Saddam's life there in 1982.

   During Tuesday's session, the court heard testimonies of seven defense witnesses, who said that three of the accused, all formal local Baath Party officials, were not involved in the Dujail killing.

   If convicted, Saddam and his codefendants might face death penalty. Enditem