An Iraqi court has decided that the first trial of Saddam Hussein will start on Oct. 19, a judicial official said on Friday.

The news has not been officially announced. But the official said anonymously that Saddam will stand trial after Oct. 15, the date when Iraqis will hold a referendum on a draft constitution.

Saddam, who was captured in December 2003, is in custody under heavy guard near Baghdad International Airport.

Source: Xinhua