On Friday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin nullified a plea deal that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed had agreed to earlier in the week. Mohammed, who is accused as the main plotter in al-Qaida’s Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, had reached the agreement with Retired Brig. Gen. Susan K. Escallier.
In the memorandum released on Friday, Austin asserted his authority under the Military Commissions Act of 2009 and withdrew Escallier’s power in the case to enter into pre-trial agreements, reserving that authority for himself.
The pre-trial agreement that had been signed on Wednesday by Escallier and Mohammed, Walid bin Attash, and Mustafa al-Hawsawi for their guilty pleas had raised hopes of bringing accountability to those responsible for the attack that changed the course of the United States and the Middle East.
While details about Friday’s developments are still emerging, Austin’s memo signifies that the death penalty could once again be on the table.
FROM THE ARCHIVES | Families of victims react to potential plea deals for 9/11 defendants
The legal process involving the men has been ongoing for over 16 years since the prosecution began in connection with al-Qaida’s attack. It’s been more than two decades since the militants carried out the devastating act that resulted in the death of nearly 3,000 people and led to prolonged U.S. interventions against extremist groups in the Middle East.
Terry Strada, national chairperson of 9/11 Families United, expressed her disappointment over the plea agreement, stating that many families had hoped for the men to admit guilt. She emphasized the importance of justice through a trial and punishment for the perpetrators.
“They were cowards when they planned the attack. And they’re cowards today,” Strada remarked.
Dozens of family members of the victims passed away while awaiting closure in the case, according to Strada.
AP
