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April 24, 2005
Killer New Plan
Ever since Moussaoui changed his plea to guilty, we've been pondering what he's up to now. Either he's trying to avoid the death penalty, or he's trying to stir up more trouble. Or maybe both.
"Seeking the death penalty in the Moussaoui case always was going to be a very dicey choice," former federal prosecutor Larry Barcella said. In addition to Europe, the Muslim world "would basically view his being put to death as a public spectacle."
Perhaps we should stone him to death or behead him instead.
Regardless of the EU or the dreaded 'Arab street', he's not likely to avoid the death penalty......barring some legal shenanigans.
Legal experts say he can highlight what he regards as the unfairness of it all, including his inability to call Sept. 11 planners as witnesses on his behalf in the proceeding that will determine whether he lives or dies.
Since he can use "written summaries of interviews with those witnesses", that issue shouldn't go too far. His remaining ace in the hole is the Manson defense.
While admitting he was part of a conspiracy, Moussaoui can argue that his role sets him apart from others on Sept. 11. He did not hijack the planes and he did not direct the suicide crews.
"Everything about this case is different, it's a crime unlike any other in very significant ways and Moussaoui's involvement is different from any other death penalty case: He didn't kill anyone," former federal prosecutor Pete White said.
Hey it's kept Chuckie alive all these years. Though in Moussaoui's case, it's more a case of lack of opportunity than a lack of intent. I'm sure whatever the judge's ruling, the case will be fast tracked to the Supremes. Then we'll see if Kennedy is foolish enough to cite 'international law' in his dissent. Should be interesting.
Whatever his new strategy is, he seems to be intent on attracting publicity and becoming a 'martyr' for his cause.
We should deny him the former and quickly grant him the latter.
Posted by Rita at April 24, 2005 06:42 AM