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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, August 17, 2002

US Trial of Sept. 11 Suspect Put off for Two Months

A US federal judge Friday postponed the trial of accused Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui for more than two months, giving standby lawyers more time to prepare his defense.


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A US federal judge Friday postponed the trial of accused Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui for more than two months, giving standby lawyers more time to prepare his defense.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema postponed the trial's openingstatements from Oct. 15 to Jan. 6. Moussaoui and defense lawyers assisting him had requested the delay in order to have more time to review the large quantity of evidence in the case.

"Although the public's rights to a speedy trial is a legitimateconcern, this court's paramount concern is ensuring that the defense to receive a fair trial," Brinkema wrote. "The volume and complexity of the evidence in this prosecution fully support the defense request for a brief continuance of the trial date."

Moussaoui, 34, a French citizen, has been acting as his own lawyer since mid-June. But Brinkema assigned five attorneys to remain on standby to assist Moussaoui on legal questions, and if necessary, to cross-examine witnesses or take over the defense.

Prosecutors had opposed any delay, saying the public and victims deserve a speedy resolution of the case.

Moussaoui has admitted belonging to al Qaeda, the terrorist group led by Osama bin Laden, swearing allegiance to its leader, and participating in some unspecified conspiracy against Americans.But he has denied playing a role in the Sept. 11 attacks.

If convicted of the more serious of the six conspiracy charges against him, he could face a death penalty.


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