Action on several motions:
1. Moussaoui motion to change venue. Denied by the Judge. Moussaoui argues. Contends Arlington jurors would be biased as they are predominately Federal employees. Judge retorts saying 9/11 affected all Americans, not just Federal workers.
2. Motion by Moussaoui to have Charles Freeman, a Muslim from Houston, enter the case. Provisionally denied, pending a request from Freeman himself to enter the case. He has until Friday. 3. Motion by Government to allow 9/11 victims to observe proceedings. Granted, but by closed-circuit TV only.
4. Motion by Government to withhold names and addresses of juror pool. Granted. Moussaoui objects vehemently, arguing he cannot "investigate" them.
Other items of note - new arraignment as the Government amended its indicting papers. During the hearing, the following exchanges took place:
Moussaoui to the Judge after the Judge ruled against him on several motions: "You have no intention at all of allowing me to defend myself. You are just preparing me for the gas chamber."
Then there was this exchange on the plea: Moussaoui: "I want the proceeding to start from zero."
Judge Brinkema: "Mr. Moussaoui, you don't control the courtroom, I do. If you don't enter a plea, I will enter one for you."
Moussaoui: "No plea."
Judge: (Indicates plea of "Not Guilty" will be entered on the record.)
Moussaoui: "I do not accept the plea of not guilty, I say no plea." [Moussaoui then decides to plead nolo contendre, and proceeds to lecture the Judge on the meaning of the term. Of course, a "no contest" plea is seen by the court as a "guilty" plea, and is inconsistent with the rest of Moussaoui's rants - and demonstrates his courtroom incompetence.]
Judge: "Do you want a trial by jury?"
Moussaoui: "At the present time, yes." [Note: Interesting choice of words - this will surely become part of the Circus in the future.]
Judge: [Sets September 30 as trial date.]
Moussaoui: "I will plead no contest." [He then goes on to trash his former court-appointed attornies.] "They have tried, in concert with the government, to convict me."
[Now, folks, the price of coffee in Washington is about $0.65. The price of a Metro fare is about $2.50. The price of an inexpensive dinner: $15.00. The following line from the Judge - PRICELESS!]
Judge: "A plea of nolo contendere is completely inconsistent with your contention that your lawyers are trying to convict you. You're the only one in this court, besides the prosecutor, who is trying to convict you."
ROFLOL!!!