Zacarias Moussaoui
- Born:
- May 30, 1968, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Convicted Terrorist, al-Qaeda Member
Early Life and Education
- Born to Moroccan parents in France.
- Grew up in Narbonne, France.
- Studied at the University of Luton in England, graduating with a degree in international business.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became increasingly radicalized and involved with extremist groups.
- Attended flight training schools in the United States, though he did not complete the program.
- Arrested in August 2001 for immigration violations and suspicions of terrorism.
- Indicted in December 2001 as a conspirator in the September 11 attacks.
- Initially pleaded not guilty, later changed his plea to guilty in 2005 to conspiring with al-Qaeda to kill Americans.
Notable Works
While no published "Zacarias Moussaoui biography books" written by him exist, his actions and legal proceedings have been extensively documented in numerous books and documentaries about 9/11 and al-Qaeda.
Legal Proceedings
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest | August 16, 2001 | Arrested for immigration violations and suspicion of terrorism. |
| Indictment | December 11, 2001 | Indicted on six counts of conspiracy related to the September 11 attacks. |
| Guilty Plea | April 22, 2005 | Pleaded guilty to conspiring with al-Qaeda to kill Americans. |
| Sentencing | May 4, 2006 | Sentenced to life in prison without parole. |
Legacy and Impact
Zacarias Moussaoui is primarily known for his involvement with al-Qaeda and his connection, albeit indirect, to the September 11 attacks. His case highlighted the complexities of international terrorism and the challenges of preventing and prosecuting terrorist acts. His actions and the subsequent legal proceedings became a significant part of the historical narrative surrounding 9/11.