Aziz, 72, is the former deputy prime minister and one of Saddam Hussein's best-known lieutenants. He walked into the court Tuesday using a cane.

The other defendants include Saddam's cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as Chemical Ali. He already was sentenced to death in another case.

They are facing charges stemming from the 1992 executions of 42 merchants accused by Saddam's government of profiteering when the country was under strict U.N. sanctions. They face the death penalty if convicted.