"It isn't important for Saddam to express himself, as much as it's important for Iranian people to be heard."
You have a point per your post #24, but I think the Iraqis determined the charges against Saddam. If he were charged with crimes against Iran and they could speak at his trial, how many speak, who will they be and how much anti-Americanism can they interject? I'm not so concerned about dirty laundry as riot inciting. That's not even to mention the other perils that would accompany a "totally public" trial.
Saddam should respond to questions without the grandstanding. IMO, they should put him in an enclosure with a microphone that can be turned off. His spouting of 'dem talking points' was revealing. He even uses their tactic of pointing the finger to deflect guilt.
When I read the statement from Rafsanjani, I imagined the crowds with a cacophony of accusations, denials, religious and political statements....a zoo.
I hope the concerns of the Iranian people desiring freedom can be addressed, but how that is done needs careful consideration.
Saddam killed almost one million Iranians and used Chemical Weapons against them.