Small Question

What kind of jail is Saddam in? How is it that a prisoner is allowed to dictate whether he comes to court or not? How is he a no-show?

The trial of Saddam Hussein resumed without him Wednesday, after he and four other main defendants refused to attend and the judge decided to continue anyway.

In the last session, on Sunday, Judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman ejected four defendants after they shouted curses and interrupted the trial. He began Wedthe session Wednesday by saying Saddam and four others had refused to take part. It was unclear how long the five would remain absent. Seven court-appointed lawyers represented them in their absence.

Last I knew, prisoners were hancuffed (possibly shackled) and were led (or dragged) to court appearances. Being such a horrible ex-Dictator and all, how does he rate being able to refuse to attend his own trial?