Ananova:

Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person charged in the September 11 attacks, wants live television coverage of the trial.

The evidence may reveal how Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida planned the raids.

Prosecutors, worried that al-Qaida members will be among the viewers, oppose the idea.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema must decide whether to allow a televised trial despite a ruling that bans cameras in most US courtrooms. At least some courts in every state allow televised state and local trials.

"Seldom has there been a criminal trial for which televised coverage could be more clearly warranted," Court TV said, in asking that cameras be allowed.

Other news organisations have backed the appeal. But the issue took on a higher profile when Moussaoui's lawyers filed a motion in support of the live broadcast, contending it would help guarantee a fair trial.

Federal prosecutors argued that everyone involved would be endangered by live television: witnesses, jurors, even the police guarding the courtroom. Al-Qaida members, they said, would almost certainly tune in.

"The government has uncovered evidence that high-level members of the organisation were kept informed of developments in US criminal trials involving al-Qaida members," the prosecution said.

Moussaoui faces indictments on six counts, charging him with conspiring with al-Qaida members and the September 11 hijackers to kill and maim thousands of people. Facing a possible death penalty if convicted, he has entered no plea. An innocent plea was lodged for him.

Story filed: 08:47 Wednesday 9th January 2002

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