"""Saddam Hussein has begun a hunger strike as part of a continuing protest over security for defence lawyers at his trial, US officials have said.

Three co-defendants of the former Iraqi leader are also said to have refused some food over the past six days.

The group, which includes Saddam Hussein's half-brother, Barzan al-Tikriti, also boycotted court sessions this week in Baghdad.

Saddam Hussein and seven co-accused deny crimes against humanity.

The defendants say they were not responsible for the deaths of 148 Shia Muslim villagers following an assassination attempt on Saddam Hussein in 1982.""

bbc http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5175410.stm