Military judge affirms validity of 9/11 terrorist plea bargains, contradicting Pentagon

A military judge has decided to reconsider controversial plea deals with 9/11 terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two codefendants, going against an order from Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin. The deals, which would spare the defendants from the death penalty in exchange for guilty pleas, were initially approved by the top official of the Gitmo military commission. The Biden administration has distanced itself from the agreements, with Pentagon officials saying Austin was surprised by the news of the deals. The plea bargains have been criticized by 9/11 victims and U.S. politicians, with some calling it a “slap in the face.”