Word: brinkema
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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Moussaoui stood in a federal courtroom in Virginia last Thursday and told Judge Leonie M. Brinkema that he was a "member of al-Qaeda" and wanted "to enter a plea today of guilty, because this will ensure to save my life." But since he had not cut a deal to avoid the death penalty, Brinkema told him to think it over and recessed proceedings for a week. Such antics have dominated the trial ever since Brinkema ruled Moussaoui could represent himself--after he claimed his court-appointed lawyers were trying to kill him. He has filed more than 60 petitions...
...faced his accusers and took the blame, his most defiant statements were simply overruled by the judge. "I'm guilty," said the prisoner, now eager to prove his terrorist credentials. ''I am member of al-Qaeda. I pledge bayat (a loyalty oath) to Osama bin Laden.'' But Judge Leonie Brinkema overruled him, entering a not-guilty plea and telling him to go away and think about the consequences of his choice...
...Brinkema called a halt, telling Moussaoui that her courtroom was not the place to strike a deal with the prosecution, and sent him away for a week's reflection...
...Unless the prosecution takes the bait, Judge Brinkema may have to work hard in the coming weeks in navigating the challenging waters of a trial in which the defendant's competency to defend himself is in question, yet he insists on going it alone even as he plainly hopes to avoid the maximum sentence. But Thursday's courtroom episode appeared to confirm that the "martyrdom" chapter in the life of Zacarias Moussaoui has been closed - even if he's convicted and sentenced to death. Because "martyrdom" by definition involves choosing to die, and Moussaoui is suddenly desperate to live...
...Moussaoui's trial will be closely watched, not only for the alleged terrorist himself but for the locale and the presiding judge. The Alexandria, Virginia court is known as the "rocket docket," for the deliberate speed of its proceedings, and Judge Brinkema is considered the lone progressive in an overwhelmingly conservative court. There is some conjecture Moussaoui's attorneys may push for a change of venue, given the proximity to the Pentagon attack site...