Defense Secretary Overturns 9/11 Mastermind Plea Deals, Reinstates Death Penalty Cases

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin nullified plea agreements for the accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two accomplices, reinstating death penalty cases. The decision follows backlash from victims' families and political criticism, and highlights legal complications stemming from torture during CIA custody.

In a significant move, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has overturned plea agreements for the alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two accomplices, reinstating their cases as death penalty trials.

The decision follows the military commission's announcement of plea deals that would have resulted in life sentences for the accused, drawing criticism from victims' families and Republican leaders. They blamed the Biden administration, despite it claiming no prior knowledge of the agreements.

Austin stated that the authority to decide on the plea deals lies with him due to the gravity of the situation, nullifying the agreements on Friday night. The cases, marred by pre-trial delays and evidence issues related to CIA custody torture, continue to face significant legal challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)