Alexandria, Va. — The federal judge presiding over the Zacarias Moussaoui terrorism proceedings voiced concern Wednesday about the safety of witnesses, lawyers, and jurors if she allows the trial to be televised.
"The government has raised some legitimate concerns about security," U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema said during a hearing to consider a request by Court TV and C-SPAN to air the trial, scheduled to begin this fall.
The 33-year-old Frenchman, the only person charged by the United States in direct connection with the Sept. 11 attacks, intently observed the proceedings and said nothing as he sat quietly with his three lawyers.
One of them, Edward MacMahon Jr., said his client does not object to a public broadcast because it could provide an "added layer of protection" in ensuring a fair trial.
The federal government is opposing the cable networks' request on grounds that longstanding federal and local rules prohibit cameras in federal courtrooms.
A lawyer for Court TV, Lee Levine, said the rulings cited by the government don't address the First Amendment or a public "right to observe" upheld by the Supreme Court.
The Justice Department contends that a worldwide broadcast could lead to retaliation against witnesses by al-Qaida operatives and raise security risks for lawyers, jurors, the judge, and the courthouse.
Levine suggested that the judge would have it within her power to address security issues by cutting off the telecast while certain witnesses are on the stand or preventing their faces from being shown.
Judge Brinkema showed some interest in a proposal for an audio-only broadcast of the trial, which could address security concerns while giving the public a way to monitor the trial proceedings in real time.
Judge Brinkema said she will rule on the motion Tuesday at the earliest.
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