But there had been concern that the ministry might try to block the case by invoking a section of the Iraqi criminal law that proscribes the prosecution of officials who are executing their official duties.
The prosecution continued with its case against the former dictator for executing political opponents in the 1980s.
At his subsequent trial for threatening language and behaviour, he attacked the prosecution counsel after being found guilty, leaping over a bench and executing a flying kick of his own.
The Belgian authorities, Mr. Delmulle said, "never hid their firm intention to not limit the investigation and prosecution to just those who executed this crime, but also to those behind it — the people who ordered, directed and financed and helped with logistic support".
The calamities include the deadly siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Tex., the betrayal of Robert Hanssen, the F.B.I. agent who sold secrets to the Russians for years, and the mishandling of investigative documents during the prosecution of Timothy McVeigh, who was executed in June for the Oklahoma City bombing.
If he is found guilty he could be executed, although the prosecution says they will not seek the death penalty.
If he is found guilty of the charge of supplying information to the enemy he could be executed, although the prosecution have made it clear they will not seek the death penalty.
But prosecutions do occur.
MUMBAI, India — A day after a court convicted the lone surviving gunman in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack of waging war against India and other crimes, the prosecution on Tuesday demanded that he be executed.
14 In a word, Marcus, though residing at Rome, planned and executed everything necessary to the prosecution of the war.
"It could lead to constitutional hurdles for military prosecutions; undermine the ability of prosecutors to execute plea bargains that can spare victims a difficult trial process".
