US News
Military prosecutors drop appeal over excluded Khalid Sheikh Mohammed confession
Fox News reports that prosecutors will not challenge the suppression of statements to preserve a 2028 trial date.
The short version
- Military prosecutors declined to appeal a ruling suppressing 2007 confession statements from alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.[Fox News]
- The decision aims to prevent further delays and safeguard a scheduled June 5, 2028, trial date.[Fox News]
- A military judge excluded the confession due to severe coercion and the absence of legal counsel.[Fox News]
- Mohammed and three co-defendants are slated to face trial together after earlier plea agreements were revoked.[Fox News]
Key facts
- Military prosecutors decided not to appeal a judge's decision suppressing statements made by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in 2007.[Fox News]
- The government chose not to challenge the ruling to protect a trial date scheduled for June 5, 2028.[Fox News]
- Military judge Lt. Col. Michael Schrama excluded the confession after finding severe coercion and a lack of attorney access.[Fox News]
- Mohammed and co-defendants Walid bin Attash, Mustafa al-Hawsawi, and Ammar al-Baluchi are scheduled to stand trial together in 2028.[Fox News]
- A 2024 plea deal sparing Mohammed and two co-defendants the death penalty was previously revoked.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the trial will proceed on June 5, 2028, without additional procedural interruptions remains unconfirmed given the history of litigation.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.