The result of a hearing Monday in the case of al Qaeda confederate Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, who is accused of helping to blow up two U.S. embassies in Africa, could have far-reaching implications for the federal government’s decision to try the alleged 9/11 terrorists in the civilian justice system in New York.
Judge Lewis A. Kaplan will hear arguments Monday on whether or not the indictment against Mr. Ghailani in United States v. Hage, 98 cr. 1023 (S-10), should be dismissed on speedy trial grounds, a decision that could serve as a template for the pretrial maneuvering in the controversial case against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others for the Sept. 11, 2001, hijacking of four airliners and attacking New York City and Washington.
