WASHINGTON (Diya TV) —
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has revoked the plea agreements for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, and two other defendants, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi. This decision reintroduces the possibility of the death penalty for these individuals, reversing a deal that would have sentenced them to life imprisonment in exchange for guilty pleas.
The plea deal, which was made public on Wednesday, faced significant backlash from various quarters, including Republicans and families of the 9/11 victims. Many criticized the deal for allowing the accused to avoid the death penalty and for the lack of transparency in the process. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer demanded more information from President Joe Biden.
Austin justified his decision by emphasizing the importance of the cases. In his memorandum, he stated that the responsibility for such critical decisions should rest with him as the superior convening authority under the Military Commissions Act of 2009. He has also removed the authority of the official who initially approved the plea deal, retired Brig. Gen. Susan K. Escallier.
This development marks another chapter in the prolonged legal saga surrounding the prosecution of the 9/11 defendants, which has been delayed for years due to issues such as the admissibility of evidence obtained through torture while the defendants were in CIA custody. The revocation of the plea deal has reignited debates on justice, accountability, and the appropriate penalties for those involved in the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
