Judge Allows Demonstrations Outside Federal Court

A judge has rejected a request from lawyers for Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev  to bar demonstrations near courthouse entrances by people who believe the bombings were part of a government plot.

Tsarnaev's lawyers argued that the fairness of his trial could be harmed by a small group of demonstrators who purport to be Tsarnaev's supporters. Some have said they believe the causalities from the bombings were faked.

Tsarnaev's lawyers asked the court to ensure that survivors and witnesses can leave court without having to pass through a ``gauntlet of demonstrators bearing insulting and inflammatory messages.''

The judge denied the request Tuesday.

The 2013 bombings killed three people and injured more than 260. Tsarnaev faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.

Jury selection is ongoing.