Coming to America (to Be Tried for Terrorism)

Upsetting many Republicans and some family members of victims, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has announced that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other alleged 9/11 plotters will be tried in federal court in New York City, not far from Ground Zero, and that death penalties are likely to be sought.

Some believe bringing the alleged terrorists to New York City constitutes a security risk, while others see it as a “major victory for due process and the rule of law,” as the ACLU put it. —JCL

The BBC:

Four men—the two Yemenis, a Saudi and a Pakistani-born Kuwaiti—will face trial alongside Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, accused of helping finance and plan the attacks of 11 September 2001 in which nearly 3,000 people were killed.

Responsibility for the case will go to the Southern District of New York, with proceedings taking place at a court not far from where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center fell.

No date was given for a trial, but US media reports say Congress needs at least 45 days’ notice before the detainees can be transferred to the US.

Read more

thewashingtonnote.com

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, shown shortly after his capture, has been held at the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba.