U.S. Defense Secretary Emphasizes 9/11 Families' Right to Justice

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the families of 9/11 victims deserved to see the alleged plotters go to trial. He revoked plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two others, potentially subjecting them to a death penalty trial.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized on Tuesday that the families of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by al Qaeda deserve the opportunity to see the alleged plotters face trial. His remarks came as he explained his decision to revoke plea deals in the high-profile case.

On Friday, Austin canceled the plea agreements for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other suspects, relieving Susan Escallier, who oversees the Pentagon's Guantanamo war court, of her pre-trial agreement authority and assuming the responsibility himself.

The revocation of the plea deals signifies that the three accused could eventually confront a death penalty trial, a development closely watched by both legal experts and the victims' families.

(With inputs from agencies.)