Court Upholds 9/11 Plea Deals Amidst Controversy

A military appeals court has upheld plea deals for 9/11 defendants, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, against Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's objections. The decision allows the men to plead guilty in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. The ruling revives agreements made to address legal challenges concerning evidence affected by CIA-imposed torture.

A U.S. military appeals court has maintained plea agreements allowing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two others to plead guilty for their roles in the 9/11 attacks, overriding a challenge by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The deals bar potential death penalties in these cases tied to al-Qaida's 2001 attacks that killed 3,000 people.

These agreements had faced scrutiny after Austin attempted to rescind them, citing their gravity and his authority as Defense Secretary. However, a military judge had previously dismissed Austin's influence, leading to the contested court decision seen as crucial in resolving the legally fraught 9/11 trials.

Separately, the Pentagon has transferred Ridah bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a longtime Guantanamo detainee, back to Tunisia, as part of ongoing efforts to close the notorious prison. Al-Yazidi's release leaves 26 detainees, with 14 cleared but awaiting transfer to other countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)