US judge says Moussaoui trial to go on

Zacarias Moussaoui

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia - A federal judge today 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.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema considered throwing out the death penalty case after discovering a government lawyer had improperly shared information with witnesses. But after a daylong 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.

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.

- REUTERS