Court to hear 9/11 conspirator's appeal in Va.

[January 26, 2009]  RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- A federal appeals court in Virginia is set to hear arguments for a new trial by Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui (zak-uh-REE'-uhs moo-SOW'-ee).

Moussaoui was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to helping plan the 2001 terrorist attacks. His lawyers now claim court-imposed secrecy undermined Moussaoui's ability to present an adequate defense, so the plea should be thrown out and a new trial granted.

A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Court of Appeals will conduct Monday's hearing in two parts. They'll meet in open court and then close the hearing for matters involving classified information.

[Associated Press]

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