DESTRUCTION OF TORTURE VIDEOS ENDANGERS ROLE OF FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT IN ASSURING FAIR TRIAL TO ACCUSED

Given that the CIA destroyed two videotapes showing "harsh interrogation methods" (read "torture"), I must wonder what federal district Judge Leona Brinkema will do about the conviction and sentencing of Zacharias Moussaoui. The government and prosecution told defense counsel that there were no video or audio tapes in existence touching upon their client Moussaoui. At this point, we know that was false. And now we have no way of knowing if these tapes would have exculpated Moussaoui or at least would have assisted his defense.

Will Judge Brinkema overturn his conviction? Will she order a new trial? Will she hold the government in contempt?

These are legitimate questions. The role of the federal courts in American society in making sure each defendant accused by the government receives a fair trial is in danger of being ridiculed.