During the court session, the former Iraqi leader called on "all Iraqis, Arabs and Kurds, to forgive, reconcile and shake hands". This, as sectarian tensions over Sunday's hanging verdict further threaten U.S.efforts to stabilize Iraq.

    Prosecutors say up to 18-thousand Kurds were killed, many of them by gas attacks. Saddam was subdued during the session as he listened to witness's recount how they were detained, shot or gassed by Iraqi soldiers.

    (Source: CCTV)