Benghazi terror suspect back in court, feds cite "witness security issues"

Benghazi terror suspect Ahmed Abu Khatallah was back in federal court Wednesday morning for the first time since October.

Federal prosecutors have long accused Khattalah of being a ringleader of the Sept. 11, 2012, attacks that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. Khattalah has pleaded not guilty to new murder charges.

There was a heavy security presence at the hearing with three U.S. marshals inside the courtroom guarding the exit door as well as a K-9 team outside in the hall.

Khatallah entered the courtroom unrestrained and accompanied by one marshal. He was sporting his usual green jumpsuit, long hair and a long, matted beard. He sat at the defense table and was quiet and attentive throughout the hearing as he listened to the proceedings through a translation headset.

‎The case continues to move slowly as the prosecution works to pass discovery along to the defense team. Prosecutors told the judge that they have handed over more than 90 percent of their case file to the defense team. The Justice Department says they also met with defense counsel and provided a summary presentation of its case as well as a witness index (a list that indicating which evidence corresponds to each witnesses).

Federal prosecutor Michael DiLorenzo said they have "serious witness security issues" and they are trying to share information with the defense so that lawyers can share more critical information with Khatallah. The defense says they just received an addition 10,000 documents late last week - many of which are allegedly classified - and defense counsel asked for more time to review the evidence.

Judge Christopher Cooper continued to be rather informal during the proceedings. After new members of the defense team were introduced, he exclaimed "Welcome to the party!" The informal demeanor is unusual for a federal judge presiding over a high-profile capital terrorism case.

The parties agreed to take at least 60 days to hand over and review the rest of the discovery in this case. The next hearing is scheduled for April 14.