Pentagon to Appeal Ruling on 9/11 Plea Deals

A military judge's decision to uphold plea agreements for 9/11 defendants is challenged by the Defense Department.

The Defense Department plans to challenge a military judge's ruling validating plea agreements for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants.
The plea deals, initially annulled by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, would allow the defendants to plead guilty and avoid the death penalty.
A military judge ruled that Austin overstepped his authority in invalidating the agreements, which were negotiated under government auspices.
The Pentagon seeks to delay any hearings on the pleas while pursuing the appeal, as communicated to 9/11 victims' families.
The case, marked by prolonged legal challenges, raises questions about the admissibility of evidence obtained through torture and the authority of the Defense Secretary in plea decisions.