Eleven media organizations asked a federal appeals court Friday to allow open oral arguments and to release documents in the case terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui, accused in the Sept. 11 attacks. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has kept most documents secret and scheduled a closed May 6 hearing as it considers the government’s appeal of a trial judge’s order. Prosecutors objected when the lower court ruled secretly that Moussaoui could have access to an al-Qaida prisoner to help his defense. The Associated Press and 10 other media organizations asked that documents become public in 10 days unless the court rules they should be secret and publicly explains why. Likewise, the motion asked that oral arguments be open unless the court should determine that portions be argued secretly or submitted secretly in writing. A public explanation should explain that decision as well, the motion said. The news organizations said the government would file an objection to the media motion, while Moussaoui’s court-appointed lawyers would not object. Moussaoui, who serves as his own lawyer while the attorneys represent his interests, also can file a response. Full Story
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