Military Court Upholds 9/11 Plea Deals Despite Pentagon Resistance

A military appeals court has overturned Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's attempt to dismiss plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two others in the 9/11 case. These agreements, initially negotiated to avoid the death penalty, are now reinstated, with repercussions for Guantanamo detainees.

A military appeals court has ruled against Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's attempt to dismiss plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants involved in the 9/11 attacks, according to a U.S. official.

The court's decision reinstates agreements permitting the men to plead guilty in exchange for being spared the death penalty, despite Austin's earlier intervention to nullify these deals citing the severity of the attacks.

The ruling reflects ongoing challenges related to the legal complexities of Guantanamo Bay hearings. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has repatriated Ridah bin Saleh al-Yazidi to Tunisia, reducing the Guantanamo detainee population to 26 men, amid pressures to clear those held without charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)