The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, has made a controversial decision to revoke a plea deal for the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks and two other defendants, reinstating them as death penalty cases. The deal, signed by overseeing war court proceedings Susan Escallier, came 16 years into the prosecution of the three men.
Victims’ families expressed disappointment as the deal meant no full trial, leading to sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and accusations of betrayal from the Biden-Harris administration. The decision to rescind the plea bargains was met with further backlash.
President Biden had blocked a proposed plea bargain previously, citing concerns about providing guarantees for the defendants. The legal complexities surrounding the case have resulted in prolonged pre-trial hearings since 2008.
The 9/11 attacks remain a painful memory for many, with nearly 3,000 lives lost and lasting repercussions on US foreign policy. The road to justice in this case continues to face challenges and uncertainties.
Associated Press contributed to this report