Today's Date:

I have taken note today of the final verdict handed down by the Federal Court of Alexandria, sentencing Zacharias Moussaoui to life in prison.

It is not up to me to comment on this court decision. The French authorities had several opportunities to recall their steadfast opposition to the death penalty.

I have asked my staff and our Embassy in Washington, which offered its consular protection and followed the unfolding of the trial on a daily basis, to continue remaining very attentive to Mr. Moussaoui’s situation, in collaboration with the staff of the Ministry of Justice.