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Jury Selection for Moussaoui Sentencing

The sentencing trial of accused 9/11 conspirator and terrorist known as "The 20th Hijacker", Zacarias Moussaoui, opened this week with the selection of a jury that will determine whether he is to be put to death for conspiring with al-Qaida terrorist to hijack planes and commit other crimes.

According to reports, after the jurors were seated and sworn in, one asked to speak to the judge and after a bench conference, she was excused without explanation to the courtroom. The trial will determine Moussaoui`s punishment, and only two options are available: death or life in prison.

After a 90-minute process, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema seated 18 jurors and alternates. One was excused for unspecified personal reasons, meaning the trial will proceed with 12 jurors and five alternates instead of six. Moussaoui pleaded guilty in April to conspiring with al-Qaida to hijack planes and commit other crimes.