Accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is set to enter a guilty plea in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Friday in a plea agreement that would spare him and two co-defendants from the death penalty for their roles in the September 11, 2001, attacks. The Defense Secretary's attempts to throw out the negotiated plea deal have caused a last-minute legal battle.
Defense lawyers have criticized the U.S. military and successive administrations for their handling of the case, describing it as 'fitful' and 'negligent.' The plea agreement, which was approved by the military, was renounced by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, leading to a legal dispute over its validity.
