Pentagon Appeals Ruling on 9/11 Plea Deals

The U.S. Defense Department plans to appeal a military judge's ruling affirming the validity of plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, and two co-defendants, which would allow them to plead guilty and avoid the death penalty. The ruling by Air Force Col. Matthew McCall overturned Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's previous order to nullify the agreements, stating that Austin lacked the authority to do so. This legal battle has been intensified by backlash from victims' families and lawmakers who demand accountability and a full trial for the defendants. The Pentagon also intends to seek a postponement of any hearings regarding the pleas. Critics, including the ACLU, argue that the appeal represents a continuation of flawed military commission processes. The situation reflects ongoing complexities surrounding the prosecution of those involved in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in U.S. history.