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
Subscribe to 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.
-
See the bright lights from these 7 big-city hotels
The Week Recommends Immerse yourself in culture, history and nightlife
-
Scientists want to regrow human limbs. Salamanders could lead the way.
Under the radar Humans may already have the genetic mechanism necessary
-
Seven wild discoveries about animals in 2025
In depth Mice have Good Samaritan tendencies and gulls work in gangs