Baghdad: Former President Saddam Hussein appeared in an Iraqi court at an undisclosed location today (July 1, 2004) to hear charges, expected to include crimes against humanity, read out against him, a US military spokeswoman said.

"The proceedings have started," the spokeswoman said on condition of anonymity.

She was unable to provide any further details.

Saddam's first appearance in a special Iraqi court is shrouded in secrecy, with only a small pool of journalists and officials allowed access.

Officials said details of the hearing before the Iraqi Special Tribunal and videotape of the ex-President -- apparently handcuffed and chained -- will be carefully checked before they are made public.

The faces of those involved, except for Saddam and 11 former aides who are due to appear later in the day, will be pixled for fear that supporters of the ousted leader will try to attack the judges overseeing the cases.