Ex-AG Holder: Accused 9/11 terrorists avoid death row because of 'political hacks' who blocked a U.S. trial
SUMMARY
Former Attorney General Eric Holder criticized the political figures who blocked the trial of accused 9/11 terrorists in federal court nearly 15 years ago, arguing that their actions delayed justice for the victims' families. In 2009, Holder announced plans to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others in Manhattan federal court, seeking the death penalty. However, political opposition from both Democrats and Republicans led to a congressional ban on transferring Guantanamo Bay detainees to the U.S. for trial. This decision forced the case into the military commissions system at Guantanamo, which has been plagued by delays. Holder claims that had the case proceeded in federal court, the accused would likely have been convicted and possibly executed by now. With a recent plea deal reached that spares the accused from the death penalty, Holder urged those who opposed his original plan to apologize for obstructing justice.
