Trials and Tribulations In Trying Terrorists In Court

Trials and tribulations in trying terrorists, vol. xxxix. The federal government is trying Aafia Siddiqui in federal court and keeps running into problems.

The trial, which is in its second week, is taking place under heavy security in United States District Court, with a metal detector and guards at the courtroom door. Still, there have been breaches. On Monday, Judge Richard M. Berman noted some of them in explaining his ruling against a defense motion for greater public access to the court.

So far, three people have sneaked recording devices into the courtroom, said Judge Berman, adding that one audience member had even passed a cellphone, which is also banned, to a member of the defense team.

“The court finds that the additional security measures are necessary,” the judge announced.

That's not counting the outbursts by the defendant, Aafia Siddiqui, who has been tossed from the courtroom twice Monday alone.

This is a preview for the circus that would take place if Khalid Sheikh Mohammad and his fellow terrorists are tried in the same courthouse in Lower Manhattan.