Judge: Bush Plot Case Evidence Classified

Tuesday August 30, 2005 1:46 AM

By MATTHEW BARAKAT

Associated Press Writer

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - The judge in the case of a man accused of joining al-Qaida and plotting to assassinate President Bush said Monday he possesses evidence that could help the defendant, but that he can't turn it over to defense lawyers because they lack required security clearances.

U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee said at a pretrial hearing that he received the classified material from prosecutors, who are required to turn over any evidence that's potentially beneficial to the defense.