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independent.co.uk

Appeal Filed in 9/11 Plea Deal Ruling

The Defense Department will appeal a judge's decision upholding plea agreements for the 9/11 defendants, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, sparking controversy and raising significant legal issues.

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United Kingdom

PoliticsJusticeUs PoliticsTerrorismControversyLaw

Defense DepartmentCiaFbiUs MilitaryThe Independent

Khalid Sheikh MohammedLloyd AustinWalid Bin AttashMustafa Al-HawsawiAaron Rugh

What legal complexities surround the case?: The case involves significant legal complexities, including the admissibility of statements obtained through torture, the CIA's destruction of interrogation videos, and the potential impact of Austin's actions.
What was the judge's ruling on Secretary Austin's order?: Secretary Austin's order to nullify the plea agreements was deemed outside his legal authority by the judge, who upheld the agreements' validity.
What are the potential consequences of the plea agreements?: The plea agreements, if upheld, would allow the three defendants to plead guilty, avoiding a possible death penalty and potentially concluding the long-running prosecution.
What was the public and political reaction to the plea agreements?: Republican lawmakers and others criticized the plea deals upon their release, leading Austin to attempt to overturn them, creating one of the most contentious moments in the case.
What action is the Defense Department taking regarding the plea agreements?: The Defense Department will appeal a military judge's ruling that validated plea agreements reached between Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants in the 9/11 attacks.

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