Iraqi court in session in Aziz case

BAGHDAD (CNN) - The court that is trying Tariq Aziz, one of the best-known faces of Saddam Hussein's former regime in Iraq, is now in session.

Aziz and seven others are accused of having a role in the execution of 42 Iraqi merchants in 1992.

A former deputy prime minister, Aziz was the first to be called into court, followed by six of the other defendants. He appeared frail, walked slowly with a cane, and was coughing and blowing his nose. He wore a brown suit. His pants were tucked into his socks and his shoes appeared too big.