9/11 plotters cut plea deal: No death penalty

Three of the key suspects in the September 11, 2001 attacks (9/11) on the United States have reached a secret plea deal. The US Department of Defence confirmed that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi have agreed to plead guilty. In exchange, prosecutors will not seek the death penalty.

The men have languished in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for years without trial, accused of orchestrating the devastating attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The tragedy triggered the War on Terror, leading to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

The New York Times revealed that the plea deal was communicated to the victims’ families, with an official plea expected soon. However, the specific terms remain shrouded in secrecy. The men face numerous charges, including murder and terrorism, with Mohammed identified as the mastermind. He was captured in Pakistan in 2003 and subjected to controversial enhanced interrogation techniques.

This plea deal, first reported by The New York Times, is not without controversy. Jim Smith, whose wife perished in the attacks, expressed outrage.

“They took away our chance for justice.”

Smith, like many others, believes the accused should face the harshest penalties.

The Biden administration has been criticised by Republicans for allegedly conceding too much. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called the agreement a “revolting abdication of responsibility,” reported BBC News.

“The only thing worse than negotiating with terrorists is negotiating with them after they are in custody.”

In related news, an infamous Irish terrorist revealed his engagement to a Thai bride half a century younger. Gormy McMullan, a prime suspect in the Loughinisland massacre, announced his upcoming nuptials to Thai national Bannapon Nuch Jathasan on social media, igniting a storm of reactions.

In other news, Khok Pho district in Pattani was thrown into chaos on July 26 as negotiations failed, leading to an assailant throwing a bomb and opening fire on officials. Initial reports indicate four officers were injured in the incident.