Judge reinstates 9/11 terrorism plea agreements involving Khalid Sheikh Mohammed: report

A military judge discusses controversial plea deals for 9/11 terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants are back at the table, contradicting an order from Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin earlier this year.

An unnamed official told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the decision to reinstate the agreements was made by Air Force Col. and Judge Matthew McCall. The US military has not yet announced the decision.

The following statements were included in the indictment: long-standing lawsuit There was an attack against terrorists at the beginning of this summer. The defendants were imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the deals were approved by the top official of the Gitmo military commission.

If the plea bargain goes through, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is suspected of being the chief architect of the deal. September 11 attacks – and the two defendants would be spared the death penalty in exchange for confessing their crimes.

Lawmakers and Families of 9/11 Victims React to Making Deals with Terrorists: ‘A Slap in the Face’

The defense deals were condemned by a number of 9/11 victims and US politicians. The Pentagon canceled the agreements in July.

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“Effective immediately, I am exercising my authority to withdraw from the three pre-trial agreements you entered into on July 31, 2024,” a letter from Austin read. The statement is included.

The Biden administration distanced itself from the agreements. In July, Pentagon officials said Austin was surprised by news of the deal.

9/11 Mastermind and 2 Others Made Plea Deals While Awaiting Trial; Victims’ families ‘very sad’

“This is not a matter for which the secretary was consulted,” Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said at the time. “We were not aware that the prosecution or defense would enter into the terms of the plea agreement.”

Terry Strada, national president of the September 11 Families Alliance, condemned the plea bargain made to Fox News Digital earlier this year.

“(Terrorists) committed this heinous crime against the United States,” Strada said. “They should have faced charges, they should have been tried and they should have faced punishment. Since when do those responsible for murder call the shots?”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Pentagon for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Original article source: Judge reinstates 9/11 terrorism plea agreements involving Khalid Sheikh Mohammed: report