Last week, the jury in the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui sentenced the Sept. 11 conspirator to life in prison with no possibility for parole. The trial has been emotional for the families of Sept. 11 victims. Although some are understandably upset with Moussaoui's sentence, the jury made the best decision. Life in prison is the optimal punishment for Moussaoui.
In understanding the jury's decision, it is important to note that Moussaoui's involvement in the Sept. 11 attacks was indirect. Although he was instrumental and knew they would occur, Moussaoui was in jail at the time of the attacks. And although he is certainly guilty, he is somewhat removed from the hijackers who murdered thousands of innocents. With this in mind, life in prison is a desirable alternative to death for Moussaoui, who is often seen as more of an al-Qaida wannabe than a genuine terrorist.
Also, sparing Moussaoui's life is the right decision for another, more compelling reason. If Moussaoui were executed, jihadists in Iraq and elsewhere would view him as a martyr. Rather than strengthen national security by eliminating a terrorist, his execution might only galvanize terrorists everywhere and aggravate tension toward the West at a time when the United States can ill afford more conflict.
The jury's decision should not be seen as going easy on Moussaoui. Given the evidence of the case and the implications of sentencing him to death, the choice of life imprisonment is calculated and properly weighs all necessary considerations. It is the most severe punishment available outside the death penalty, satisfying both the need for justice and for security.
With Moussaoui sentenced to life imprisonment, he no longer poses a threat to innocent Americans. Alive, he cannot be used as an instrument for energizing America's enemies. For these reasons, the jury in the Moussaoui trial made the right decision.
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Moussaoui barred from martydom
