Moussaoui prosecutors suffer setback

Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person to be charged in connection with the 11 September 2001 attacks, could face the death penalty after a US judge refused a defence request to exclude it from the case.

Moussaoui's lawyers argue he cannot receive a fair trial

At the same time, however, Judge Leonie Brinkema on Tuesday removed aviation evidence vital to the prosecution case.

A furious Judge Brinkema delivered the blow to prosecutors after the trial in Alexandria, Virginia, was pitched into turmoil by a row over coaching witnesses by a government lawyer.

“I don’t think in the annals of criminal law there has ever been a case with as many significant problems,” Brinkema said.

She said all parts of the evidence relating to aviation security were “irredeemably contaminated” and struck them out.

That move is likely to prevent prosecutors from arguing that authorities could have introduced new airport security measures to prevent the attacks, if Moussaoui had told the truth about the September 11 attacks.

Courtroom battle

The prosecution had argued in a tense courtroom battle that such evidence made up half of its case against Moussaoui.

The drama erupted after lawyer Carla Martin of the Transportation Security Administration apparently coached witnesses, in a move which the defence said prejudiced Moussaoui’s chances of a fair trial.

The episode threatens to prevent what is likely to be the US  government’s only chance to secure a death penalty in connection with the 2001 airplane strikes on New York and Washington which killed nearly 3000 people.

The trial of Moussaoui is takingplace in Alexandria, Virginia
The trial of Moussaoui is takingplace in Alexandria, Virginia

The trial of Moussaoui is taking
place in Alexandria, Virginia

Defence lawyers claimed Martin’s actions meant that Moussaoui, a French citizen of Moroccan descent, could never have a fair trial.

Moussaoui watched the proceedings in silence but as he was led from court for a lunchbreak, he shouted: “God Curse America, nation of shit.”

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty in April to conspiring with al-Qaida to hijack aircraft and commit other crimes, and the current trial will determine his punishment: life in prison, or death.

Moussaoui has specifically denied any links to 9/11 and says he was training to be part of a possible future attack.
 
Prosecutors, to obtain the death penalty, must prove that Moussaoui’s actions resulted in at least one death on September 11.

Source: News Agencies