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Key evidence excluded from Moussaoui sentencing
8:44 AM March 15
A federal judge in the US has said sentencing for September 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui could go forward but without aviation testimony and evidence considered key to the US Government's case.
Judge Leonie Brinkema considered throwing out the death penalty case, after discovering a government lawyer had improperly shared information with witnesses.
But after a day-long hearing, she decided to continue the trial that will determine if Moussaoui, who has pleaded guilty to conspiracy in connection with the hijacked airliner attacks, will be executed.
Judge Brinkema, however, said the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration witnesses who had been contacted by government lawyer Carla Martin would not testify and evidence from them would not be allowed.
The prosecution had argued the witnesses were key.
In a stinging rebuke to prosecutors, the judge said: "I don't think in the annals of criminal law there has ever been a case with as many significant problems."
She struck out evidence relating to aviation, including the question of whether lies by Moussaoui prevented the introduction of new security measures which could have prevented the September 11, 2001, attacks.
"I am removing from the case any and all witnesses having to do with the aviation component of this case," she said.
-Reuters/AFP
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