US Military Judge Upholds Plea Deals for 9/11 Mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Accomplices, Sparking Outrage
US Military Judge Upholds Plea Deals for 9/11: In a groundbreaking ruling, a U.S. military judge has upheld plea agreements for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks, and two other defendants, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi. This ruling, issued by Colonel Matthew McCall, confirms the agreements, which remove the death penalty as a sentencing option, marking a significant shift in the high-profile case. The plea deals were initially revoked by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin just days after being announced, citing the importance of a public trial for victims’ families and the American public.
Judge Affirms Plea Deals as “Binding Agreements”
The court’s decision underscores the legality of these plea deals, deeming them “enforceable contracts” with authority granted by the Convening Authority, Susan Escallier. According to Colonel McCall, the agreements became binding once signed, countering Austin’s stance that he should have final approval. The ruling allows for the defendants to officially enter their pleas, potentially expediting a case that has been mired in delays and legal disputes for nearly two decades.
Controversy and Victim Families’ Anguish
The plea deal has sparked anger among some victims’ families who feel justice is compromised by taking the death penalty off the table. Austin emphasized that Americans and victims’ families deserved to see these defendants tried in open court, a stance echoed by Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder. The Pentagon has not yet indicated whether it will challenge the judge’s ruling.
ACLU Criticizes Austin’s Move, Calls Plea Deal “Practical Solution”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has voiced strong support for the plea agreements, citing them as “the only practical solution” after prolonged legal battles over torture allegations that have stalled the case. Anthony Romero, ACLU’s executive director, criticized Austin’s intervention, asserting that moving forward with the plea process could finally provide answers to grieving families and avoid prolonged legal conflicts.
History of Torture and Secret Detentions
The cases of Mohammed, bin Attash, and Hawsawi have long been complicated by reports of torture during CIA detention. Following his capture in Pakistan in 2003, Mohammed spent three years in secret CIA facilities, a controversial aspect that could complicate a fair trial. These plea agreements are seen by many as a way to sidestep challenges related to the detainees’ treatment while in custody.
The Guantanamo Legacy and Ongoing Debate
Held at Guantanamo Bay since 2006, Mohammed, along with bin Attash and Hawsawi, represents the legacy of post-9/11 detentions and the controversial policies associated with the U.S. “War on Terror.” The prison, once housing nearly 800 prisoners, now holds a fraction of that number, despite President Joe Biden’s pre-election pledge to close it. With legal battles continuing, Guantanamo remains a stark reminder of America’s complex and contentious war on terror detainee policies.
This ruling is expected to have significant implications as the U.S. grapples with delivering justice nearly 20 years after the 9/11 attacks.
