Judge Asks for Views on Dropping Moussaoui Case

[LauraK]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge on Thursday asked prosecutors, defense lawyers and Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui to give their views on whether she should dismiss the case because the government refuses to produce an al Qaeda captive for questioning.

Three days after the government said its decision to deny Moussaoui access to a key al Qaeda operative could result in dismissal of the case, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema set a schedule for the parties to weigh in on possible sanctions. <cut

Since the government has said it would not comply with her order, Brinkema has the option of dismissing the indictment or imposing some other type of sanction.
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[goforit]

1. Arrest Bush and Cheney!!.....until they comply!!!

Just do it!!!

[pw]

2. It would not be in the interest of justice to dismiss

(that's the standard in that particular section of the US code)

Ashcroft et al would simply seize Moussauoi and put him in front of a military tribunal, where unsworn and hearsay testimony is admissible, and the only avenue of appeal is to the white house.

Heck, when even The Economist says military tribunals are wrong, you gotta listen. That's like the Wall Street Journal coming out for corporate responsibility.

[tomp]

3. the prosecution should be held in contempt.

i don't understand why the judge isn't doing that. refusing to comply with a court order is contempt, right? what am i missing?

dismissal only helps the junta.

[Nottingham]

4. The Judge is playing chicken with Aschcroft!! I think Ashcroft Blinked

:bounce:

[hang a left]

5. This really isn't the end

the prosecution has appealed the judge's decision to allow the defense access to the witness. Sanctions can be applied or the dismissal of some of the charges. The prosecution has asked for the judge to wait to see what happens on appeal before remedies

[BiggJawn]

6. If she dismisses, Zack's ass belongs to Calico Johhny...

His next stop will be in front of a trio that will say "Ah, the Moussaoui MAGGOT!!! Take him out SHOOT him! NOW!!"

No, if his charges are dismissed, he's a dead man.

All nice and legal, acordng to the USA PATRIOT Act...