It was clear to Mr Hussein that Uday, who had been linked to earlier murders, was unstable.

ECONOMIST: Uday and Qusay Saddam Hussein

As the story circulated not only in Iraq but in newspapers abroad Mr Hussein said Uday had to stand trial for murder.

ECONOMIST: Uday and Qusay Saddam Hussein

In another sign of change, Babil, the Iraqi newspaper published by Saddam Hussein's son Uday, has now resumed publication following a month-long ban in mid-November.

BBC: Mixed messages for Iraq's media