The family of a 9/11 victim has accused the Biden administration of reversing course on plea deals for alleged 9/11 masterminds for political purposes after a military court judge ruled that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin cannot rescind the offers. President of 9/11 Justice Brett Eagleson reacted to the news, calling the situation a 'horrific travesty' as families remain outraged over the potential removal of the death penalty as punishment for the suspected perpetrators.
Eagleson expressed his belief that the decision to rescind the plea deals was politically motivated and criticized the government's handling of the 9/11 aftermath, including alleged cover-ups and lack of justice for victims and their families. He highlighted a meeting with former President Trump on 9/11, where Trump reportedly committed to seeking justice for the victims if elected.
The plea deals in question would allow three men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks to plead guilty in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. A court opinion stated that the deals were valid and enforceable, and Defense Secretary Austin overstepped his authority by attempting to nullify them.
The Pentagon may seek emergency review from the D.C. Circuit federal appeals court, but no filings had been made as of Tuesday afternoon. A hearing is scheduled at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the defendants could plead guilty with the death penalty removed as a possible punishment.
The plea deals were reached over the summer and approved by the top official of the Gitmo military commission, setting the stage for potential resolution in the long-running case against the accused terrorists.
