Controversial plea deal for 9/11 suspects revoked

World

The US defence secretary has revoked a plea deal which would have seen the men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks avoid death sentences.

On Wednesday, it was announced that prosecutors had reached a deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi to plead guilty to conspiracy charges.

Just two days later, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has vetoed the deal which drew controversy as it would have seen the trio face a life sentence instead of the death penalty at Guantanamo Bay.

Mr Austin has relieved Susan Escallier, who oversees the Guantanamo war court, of her authority to enter into pre-trial agreements in the case and has taken on the responsibility himself.

Articles You May Like

George Clooney reveals what Amal thinks of his dyed hair
Clooney has his eyes on a particular governor to lead Democrats
Pandora Papers: Document leak reveals secrets of how the powerful stash their cash
HMS Prince of Wales begins deployment
Family narrowly avoids manhole explosion