Moussaoui prosecutors want info on jurors’ religious, death penalty beliefs News
Moussaoui prosecutors want info on jurors’ religious, death penalty beliefs

[JURIST] Federal prosecutors filed a proposed jury questionnaire [PDF text] in US district court Monday requesting permission to ask questions regarding the religious beliefs of potential jurors in the case against Zacarias Moussaoui [MSNBC profile; JURIST news archive] for his involvement in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The US government is seeking the death penalty against Moussaoui, who pleaded guilty [JURIST report] to six conspiracy charges [indictment] against him earlier this year, and prosecutors are interested in learning the views of prospective jurors on issues such as Islam and the death penalty. Additionally, prosecutors included questions regarding whether potential jurors knew anyone who died in the 9/11 attacks; whether they have ties to the Middle East; and whether they belong to organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars [official website] or the American Civil Liberties Union [advocacy website]. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema will determine which questions may be asked when 500 potential jurors are summoned for jury duty on February 6 [JURIST report]. AP has more.