The chief judge of Iraq’s special tribunal announced yesterday that Saddam Hussein could go on trial as early as next month for his alleged role in a massacre 23 years ago. The judge said he could face the death penalty. Four other former Iraqi officials would stand trial in the case, in which Saddam’s security agents allegedly shot dead at least 50 people after a plot to assassinate him was uncovered. Iraqi officials have announced the imminent start of Saddam’s trial before, only to have the proceedings delayed. His lawyers say that they have not been allowed to see any of the evidence against Saddam and charge that they are being denied access to their client.