Ali Hassan al-Majid, better known as "Chemical Ali," has appeared before an investigating magistrate, starting the process of trial of Iraq's former top officials, an Iraqi court said Saturday.  

Sultan Hashim, former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's defense minister, also attended the hearing with the presence of the lawyers, said Rayed Juhi, chief investigating judge for the Iraqi Special Tribunal.

Videos showed the two, handcuffed but looking healthy, were interrogated by Juhi separately in a big room.

Majid, a cousin of Saddam and known for his massacre of Kurds in the 1980s, stood with a walking stick.

The investigative hearings were the first step toward the trial of members of Saddam's regime, although the legal process was still in its preliminary stage, according to Juhi.

"Investigation is different from a trial," he cautioned. Earlier this week, Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi pledged the trial of Saddam's eight top officials would begin as early as within a month, but the former dictator himself would be dealt with after the elections due on Jan. 30.

Saddam's lawyer, who was only allowed to meet his client this week, said the preparations were not enough to ensure a credible trial.

The concern was shared by other legal advisors, who feared the lack of legitimacy of the court and controversial charges could trigger more disputes among Iraqis and international institutions. The Iraqi Special Tribunal was set up by the then US supervisor of Iraq Paul Bremer to try former Iraqi leaders.

Seven charges, including invading Kuwait and killing Shiite rebels, were read by Juhi to Saddam, who appeared in court with another ten officials for the first time in July. The investigative judges need time to arrange more hearings and collect evidence for possible charges against the key members of the toppled regime before the accused are brought to a criminal court.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2004)