Moussaoui Asks Full Court to Weigh Appeal

[Khephra]

WASHINGTON -- Lawyers for terrorism suspect Zacarias Moussaoui on Tuesday asked all the judges on a Southern appeals court to consider whether Moussaoui can have direct access to al-Qaida witnesses and whether the government can seek his execution.

If the full 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., approves a rehearing of the issues, already adjudicated by a three-judge appellate panel, a long-delayed trial would be postponed even longer.

"Moussaoui has a constitutional right to compel attendance of witnesses. The panel opinion denies him that right," said Edward MacMahon Jr., one of Moussaoui's lawyers.

He added, "If the court doesn't give him the full abilities to present a defense, the government shouldn't be allowed to seek the death penalty."

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-moussaoui-appeal,0,1942516.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines