In a significant development regarding the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind, and two of his associates have agreed to plea deals, according to a Pentagon announcement.
The US military facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, currently detains the individuals involved.
The Pentagon disclosed that Susan Escallier, the Convening Authority for Military Commissions, has finalized pretrial agreements with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi.
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The authorities however have not yet made the details of these agreements public.
The three men, alongside Ali Abdul Aziz Ali and Ramzi Bin al Shibh, faced charges related to their alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks. They initially appeared in court on 5 June 2008 and faced re-arraignment on 5 May 2012.
Plea Deals In 9/11 Case Spark Controversy
The plea deals have drawn sharp criticism from political figures.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressed strong disapproval, calling the agreements a national disgrace.
McConnell however denounced the Biden-Harris Administration’s handling of the situation as a revolting abdication of its duty to safeguard the nation and ensure justice.