STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO SEEK DEATH PENALTY IN MOUSSAOUI CASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Ashcroft delivered the following statement in Miami, Florida regarding the Department of Justice's intent to seek the death penalty in the case of Zacarias Moussaoui:

"On December 11, 2001, a grand jury sitting in Alexandria, Virginia, returned an indictment charging Zacarias Moussaoui with six different conspiracy offenses for his role in the September 11th attacks. Four of the conspiracy charges carry the potential penalty of death if Mr. Moussaoui is convicted.

"When I announced the return of the indictment, I stated that the Department of Justice would follow its well-established protocol and procedure before I decided whether or not to seek the death penalty. That protocol provides, among other things, for the submission by the defendant of any reasons why he believes the death penalty is not appropriate.

"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.

"Following my instructions, the United States Attorneys have filed a notice of intent to seek a sentence of death. In the notice, we have alleged numerous reasons –- called aggravating factors –- why we believe the death penalty is appropriate. Among these reasons is the impact of the crime on the thousands of victims.

"To that end, we remain committed not only to carrying out justice in this case, but also to ensuring that the rights of the victims are fully protected."

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