DATE=03/28/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=MOUSSAOUI/PENALTY (S)

NUMBER=2-288093

BYLINE=JIM MALONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Federal prosecutors have decided to seek the death penalty in the case of suspected terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person charged so far in connection with the September 11th terrorist attacks. Details from correspondent Jim Malone.

TEXT: Justice Department lawyers notified a federal court in Virginia that they will seek the death penalty against Mr. Moussaoui, who faces six counts of conspiracy, including conspiracy to commit terrorism and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.

U-S Attorney General John Ashcroft told a news conference in Florida that prosecutors weighed several aggravating factors in making the decision, including the impact of the terror attacks on thousands of victims from many nations:

/// ASHCORFT ACT ///

Having completed the process set forth in the protocol, I announce today that I have authorized the United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Southern District of New York to seek a sentence of death.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Moussaoui has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and his trial is scheduled to start September 30th. (Signed)

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