Federal Judge Barred Sept. 11 Evidence, Death Penalty in Moussaoui Case. Federal prosecutors yesterday appealed a judge’s ruling that dismissed much of their case against terrorism suspect Zacarias Moussaoui, making it clear that the government is intent on keeping the case in the criminal justice system. In Alexandria, U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema on Thursday had barred the government from presenting evidence that Moussaoui played any role in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and ruled him ineligible for the death penalty. She said Moussaoui still could be tried on charges of participating in a broad al Qaeda conspiracy to attack the United States and could be sentenced to life in prison. Government officials said after Brinkema’s ruling that all options were being considered in response, including the possibility of moving Moussaoui’s case to a military tribunal. Full Story