Moussaoui judge allows some aviation witnesses

WASHINGTON, Mar 17 (Reuters) A federal judge in the sentencing trial of September 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui today refused to reconsider her decision barring witnesses who were improperly contacted by a government lawyer but said new witnesses may testify about crucial aviation-related evidence.

The decision by US District Judge Leonie Brinkema gave new life to federal prosecutors who are seeking the death penalty in the government's only case involving the airliner hijackings that killed about 3,000 people.

REUTERS VJ RAI0049