Iraq’s national security adviser, Mowaffak al-Rubaie, told The Times that the central provinces of Baghdad, Diyala and Salahaddin would be placed under curfew. “There are more security measures under consideration,” he added.

Saddam, his half-brother Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, Taha Yassin Ramadan, his VicePresident, and Awad al-Bandhar, a judge, face possible death sentences for the execution of 148 Shia villagers from the town of Dujail after a failed 1982 assassination attempt on the then Iraqi leader. Four others face lighter sentences. Saddam is likely to win the right to appeal against any death sentence.

The trial, which started a year ago, aimed to heal Iraq’s wounds after Saddam and his Baath party’s 35-year regime. Instead, it has become a symbol of Iraq’s divisions, between the long-oppressed Shia majority, who now rule the country, and Saddam’s Sunnis. Clashes between them tomorrow could push Iraq over the edge.

Iraqi officials worry that Sunni insurgents will attack Shia communities when the high tribunal announces Saddam’s fate. “Once they see their dictator being sentenced, at that historic moment, I’m afraid they will escalate their attacks and mobilise,” said Bassam Ridha, an adviser to the Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki. Mr Ridha fears that Sunni insurgents will attack Dujail because of residents’ testimony against Saddam during his trial.

Mr al-Maliki is to meet Iraqi and US officials today to make a final decision on tomorrow’s security measures.

Iraq’s Defence Minister yesterday cancelled all leave for soldiers. Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi was heard issuing the order in videotaped footage of a meeting between Mr al- Maliki and military and security officials, in which the Prime Minister upbraided them for failing to stop the capital’s unbridled violence.

The trial has been the first time that a Middle East leader has been brought to justice for alleged human rights abuses. However, the proceedings have been marred by the murder of three defence lawyers and the resignation of the court’s first chief justice, citing pressure from the Government.

In Baghdad yesterday, Sunnis were resentful and Shia gleeful at Saddam’s possible fate.

• The Times is the only British newspaper to maintain a full- time Baghdad bureau.

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