Moroccan suspect in 9/11 events not given needed evidence to defend himself
Morocco, Local, 1/29/2003

The trial of Moroccan national Mounir El Motassadeq who is standing trial since last October 22 in Hamburg on charges of complicity in the 9/11 events are scheduled to end this week.

The prosecution will make its arguments on Wednesday while the defense's are expected for Friday.

The defense claimed once again the trial cancellation on grounds that the government has refused to turn over to the court US classified information on Ramzi Benashibah, a Yemeni arrested last October in Pakistan, and currently held in a secret site by the USA.

The defendant's attorneys want to have access to US confidential notes transmitted to German authorities and that could help in the defense of their client.

Defense attorneys have appealed to a federal court against the refusal of the German government to turn over information on Ramzi Binalshibh.

American judiciary authorities had turned down two German requests for a written or direct testimony of Ramzi Benashibah.

Since the trial opening in October, the Hamburg court held more than 30 sessions and heard some 150 witnesses.

El Motassadeq has acknowledged that he knew several members of the cell, but insists he was unaware of their plans for the attack on New York and Washington.

If found guilty of charges of providing logistical support to the Hamburg al-Qaida cell, the defendant -- the first to stand trial in the 9/11 case -- is risking a life sentence.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan minister inquires about pilgrims conditions in Saudi Arabia   (1/28/2003)
  Police flatly denies recent arms seizure in Morocco   (1/24/2003)
  Trial of 9/11 suspect resumes in Hamburg   (1/3/2003)
  Moroccan Abedlghani Mzoudi to be tried friday   (10/12/2002)

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