Judge Unexpectedly Halts Moussaoui Trial
Michael J. Sniffen
ABC News
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Alexandria, Virgenia:
An angry federal judge considered Monday whether to dismiss the government's death penalty case against confessed al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui after a federal attorney coached witnesses in violation of her rules.
"I do not want to act precipitously," U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema said in scheduling a special hearing on the case Tuesday, but she said that it was "very difficult for this case to go forward."
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See Also:
Judge to Consider Dismissing US Death Penalty Case
Terror Case 'Delicate,' Judge Warns Prosecutors
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Brinkema said a lawyer for the Transportation Security Administration sent e-mail to seven Federal Aviation Administration officials outlining the prosecution's opening statements and providing commentary on government witnesses from the first day of testimony.
That was in violation of her pretrial order barring witnesses from exposure to any opening statements or trial testimony.
Brinkema wanted to hear Tuesday from the seven and from the attorney who contacted them to help her decide whether to throw out the government's case. If she does, Moussaoui would escape the possibility of execution and be sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole.
Michael J. Sniffen
ABC News
_______
Alexandria, Virgenia:
An angry federal judge considered Monday whether to dismiss the government's death penalty case against confessed al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui after a federal attorney coached witnesses in violation of her rules.
"I do not want to act precipitously," U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema said in scheduling a special hearing on the case Tuesday, but she said that it was "very difficult for this case to go forward."
__________________
See Also:
Judge to Consider Dismissing US Death Penalty Case
Terror Case 'Delicate,' Judge Warns Prosecutors
__________________
Brinkema said a lawyer for the Transportation Security Administration sent e-mail to seven Federal Aviation Administration officials outlining the prosecution's opening statements and providing commentary on government witnesses from the first day of testimony.
That was in violation of her pretrial order barring witnesses from exposure to any opening statements or trial testimony.
Brinkema wanted to hear Tuesday from the seven and from the attorney who contacted them to help her decide whether to throw out the government's case. If she does, Moussaoui would escape the possibility of execution and be sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole.
