Judge Reinstates 9/11 Suspects' Plea Deals Amid Criticism

A military judge, Air Force Col. Matthew McCall, has reinstated plea agreements for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants accused of orchestrating the 9/11 attacks, allowing them to plead guilty in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. The ruling followed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's attempt to nullify the deals, but McCall determined Austin acted beyond his authority and too late, as the agreements had been authorized by senior Pentagon appointee Susan Escallier. The decision has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from some 9/11 victims' families and lawmakers who argue that the public deserves the opportunity to see the defendants stand trial. The plea deals aim to resolve prolonged legal complications, including issues over confessions obtained under alleged CIA torture. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings at Guantanamo Bay related to the 2001 attacks.