Terror trial on hold
The week's news at a glance.
Alexandria, Va.
Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to temporarily halt preparations for the June terrorism trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, the so-called “20th hijacker” in the Sept. 11 plot. The Justice Department wants time to challenge a court order that would let defense lawyers interview Ramzi bin al-Shibh, a captured al Qaida leader who has confessed to coordinating the attacks. Bin al-Shibh allegedly wired Moussaoui $14,000, but defense lawyers hope bin al-Shibh will support their claim that Moussaoui had nothing to do with the conspiracy. Bush administration officials say providing access to bin al-Shibh would disrupt his interrogation by intelligence agents, setting back the hunt for terrorists. To avoid that, administration officials are reportedly considering moving the trial from civilian criminal court to a military tribunal, where Moussaoui would have fewer rights.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Why ‘anti-Islam’ bikers are guarding Gaza aid sites
In The Spotlight Members of Infidels MC, who regard themselves as modern Crusaders, among private security guards at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites
-
China: Xi seeks to fill America’s void
Feature Trump’s tariffs are pushing nations eastward as Xi Jinping focuses on strengthening ties with global leaders
-
Rebrands: Bringing back the War Department
Feature Trump revives the Department of Defense’s former name