Three men accused of planning the 9/11 terrorist attacks have agreed to a pre-trial deal at Guantanamo Bay. The alleged mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, along with two others, will plead guilty to all charges in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. The plea deal details have not been disclosed, but the formal pleas are expected to happen soon.
The 9/11 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 2,976 people, were the deadliest on US soil since Pearl Harbour. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was captured in 2003 and had endured “enhanced interrogation techniques” before their ban in 2007. Families of the victims are eager for the men to admit guilt.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the deal, calling it an “abdication of the government’s responsibility to defend America.” The White House National Security Council stated that they were informed of the deal but did not participate in negotiations.
The agreement, reached after 16 years of prosecution efforts, is a significant step towards justice for the 9/11 attacks. The attacks led to the “War on Terror,” reshaping both the Middle East and American society. The formal pleas in this case will bring some closure to the families of the victims and the nation as a whole.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com